CHAPTER XXIX 

 NARCOTICS' 



Surely few of us would deliberately wreck our radio, 

 or smash the delicate ignition system of our automobile, 

 or puncture the diaphragm in our telephone, or permit 

 easily-avoidable damage to any important apparatus that 

 aids us in our work or adds to our comfort and pleasure. 



Many a person, however, either deliberately or through 

 lack of self-control, or because of ignorance of dangers 

 involved, seriously damages that most important machine 

 his own body unfitting it for its best service, or even 

 destroying its usefulness. Exceptional harm is done when 

 he permits injury to the delicate nervous system that con- 

 trols the whole body, directing the work of the muscles 

 and making him quick and sure in thought and action. 



That is why it is vital that we know about the narcotics 

 that cause slow destruction of the nerves, reduce our 

 mental powers, and are able to destroy our success and 

 happiness. 



A narcotic is a substance that, when taken into the body or 

 used on any part of the body, appears to affect the nervous system 

 in such a way as to lessen the activity of the organs which it con- 

 trols. 



Narcotics have the opposite effect to stimulants. When used in 

 small amounts they relieve pain, cause a feeling of rest, or produce 

 sleep. When used in large amounts they may produce stupor 

 or death. A dentist may use a small amount on the gums to 

 deaden feeling when a tooth is extracted, or a smoker may use 

 tobacco to produce a sense of restfulness after a day's work. 



Sometimes a drug like opium is taken, which not only soothes 

 pain but also produces a pleasant restful feeling. It seems an 

 easy way to get relief from pain or fatigue. Accordingly, the 

 user takes this remedy whenever he feels a pain. Small doses 

 soon cease to bring relief and gradually he takes larger and larger 

 doses to produce the effect he wishes. Unless he stops taking 



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