256 DRUGS AND PATENT MEDICINES 



man, and cannot be indulged in by him without ultimate 

 mental, moral, and physical loss. Substances of the latter 

 class are known as narcotics and stimulants. 



237. The Cost of Health. In the physical as in the finan- 

 cial world, nothing is to be had without a price. Vigor, 

 endurance, and mental alertness are bought by hygienic liv- 

 ing ; that is, by proper food, fresh air, exercise, cleanliness, 

 and reasonable hours. Some people wish vigor, endurance, 

 etc., but are unwilling to live the life which will develop these 

 qualities. Plenty of sleep, exercise, and simple food all tend 

 to lay the foundations of health. Many, however, are not 

 willing to take the care necessary for healthful living, because 

 it would force them to sacrifice some of the hours of pleasure. 

 Sooner or later, these pleasure-seekers begin to feel tired and 

 worn, and some of them turn to drugs and narcotics for arti- 

 ficial strength. At first the drugs seem to restore the lost 

 energy, and without harm ; however, the cost soon proves to 

 be one of the highest Nature ever demands. 



238. The Uncounted Cost. The first and most obvious 

 effect of opium, for example, is to deaden pain and to arouse 

 pleasure ; but while the drug is producing these soothing 

 sensations, it interferes with bodily functions. Secretion, di- 

 gestion, absorption of food, and the removal of waste matters 

 are hindered. Continued use of the drug leads to headache, 

 exhaustion, nervous depression, and heart weakness. There 

 is thus a heavy toll reckoned against the user, and the cred- 

 itor is relentless in demanding payment. 



Moreover, the respite allowed by a narcotic is exceedingly 

 brief, and a depression which is long and deep inevitably 

 follows. In order to overcome this depression, recourse is 

 usually had to a further dose, and as time goes on, the inter- 

 vals of depression become more frequent and lasting, and 

 the necessity to overcome them increases. Thus without in- 



