EFFECTS OF NARCOTICS UPON THE MIND 319 



583. Alcoholic inheritance. The weak body and mind of a 

 confirmed drunkard are almost surely transmitted to his children, but any 

 one who drinks at all may transmit some undesirable traits. The appe- 

 tite for liquor also may be transmitted to the children. If they are kept 

 from temptation, they will lead temperate lives, but they will be very apt 

 to yield to the desire for drink if the temptation is thrown in their way, 



584. Treatment of the alcoholic habit. By a few repeti- 

 tions of drink the memory of its sensations becomes so 

 strong that it overrules the thoughts and will, and compels 

 its own gratification in more drink. At first, a man can 

 resist the appeals of his appetite, but after the cells of the 

 sensory region have gained gratification a few times, they, 

 instead of the will, direct the motor region to secure the 

 drink. Many a drunkard can no more control his appetite 

 than he can control the memory of the drink. What was 

 once a pleasant memory of the subordinate sensory region, 

 becomes the giant demon, enslaving the kingly thought 

 regions. 



A drinker should not be laughed at or scorned, but he 

 should be encouraged to use his will in overcoming the 

 desire for drink. To this end everything ennobling should 

 be placed in his way. Good books, good companionship, 

 and, above all, the encouragement of sincerely Christian 

 people are almost absolute necessities in his reformation. 



Drugs have almost no effect upon the habit, for they 

 cannot abolish memory nor increase the will power. Total 

 abstinence, not only from the drink, but also from buildings 

 where it is sold and from the association of those who 

 have been drinkers, is necessary for a cure. 



585. Tobacco. By smoking, a greater amount of blood 

 is drawn into the head, and the increased flow of blood 

 seems to make the brain more active. Sucking air through 

 a small quill produces the same effect upon the brain as 



