ALCOHOL: AN ENEMY OF HOME AND COMMUNITY 539 



been adopted by such an overwhelming majority. Further- 

 more, in some parts of the country the amendment may not 

 be adequately enforced, so that for a few years some liquors 

 will doubtless be sold illegally. As there is this possibility, 

 it will be. well to learn some of the facts regarding the harm 

 done by alcoholic liquors and some reasons why total absti- 

 nence is the safest course. 



The subject of the use of alcoholic liquors may be con- 

 sidered from three standpoints, that of the individual, that 

 of the home, and that of the community. 



Effect of alcohol on the individual. From the standpoint 

 of the individual, one wishes to know what effect alcohol 

 will have upon the organs of his body and their working, 

 and hence upon his chance of success in life. One of the 

 most critical times in a young man's life comes when he is 

 invited to take his first glass of beer or wine. His success 

 for his entire life may rest upon the decision he makes at 

 that time. The danger of that first glass cannot be em- 

 phasized too strongly, because that may lead eventually to 

 the regular use of alcoholic liquors with all the dangers that 

 attend its use. The purpose of this chapter is to present 

 some of the facts regarding this matter so that one may 

 realize that total abstinence is the only safe course. 



We will consider first the effect of alcohol on the body. 

 This may be looked at from the standpoint of the effect on 

 the activity of the organ and the permanent effect on the 

 organ itself. For instance, we may consider the effect on 

 the process of digestion and the effect on the digestive 

 organs, the stomach and intestines. Alcohol is found both 

 to interfere with the working of the organs of the body and 

 to injure the organs themselves. 



Alcohol a narcotic or stimulant. The question has been 

 much discussed as to whether alcohol is a stimulant or a 

 narcotic. A stimulant is something that induces to greater 

 activity. A narcotic is something that deadens the activi- 



