192 DRUGS AND PATENT MEDICINES 



him without mental, moral, and physical loss. Substances of 

 this class are known as narcotics and stimulants. 



The cost of health. In the physical as in the financial 

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

 and mental alertness are bought by hygienic living ; that is, 

 by proper food, fresh air, exercise, cleanliness, and reasonable 

 hours. Some people wish vigor and endurance, but are un- 

 willing to live the life which will develop these qualities. Plenty 

 of sleep, exercise, and simple food 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 artificial strength. At first the drugs 

 seem to restore the lost energy, and without harm ; but the 

 cost soon proves to be one of the highest nature ever demands. 



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, digestion, absorp- 

 tion of food, and the removal of waste matters are hindered. 

 Continued use of the drug leads to headache, exhaustion, ner- 

 vous depression, and heart weakness. There is thus a heavy 

 toll reckoned against the user, and the creditor is relentless in 

 demanding payment. 



The respite allowed by a narcotic is brief, and a depression 

 inevitably follows. In order to overcome this depression, another 

 dose is taken, and as time goes on, the intervals of depression be- 

 come more frequent and the necessity to overcome them increases. 

 Soon one is a victim of the drug. The sanatoria of our country 

 are crowded with people who are trying to free themselves 

 from a drug habit into which they have unintentionally drifted. 

 What is true of opium is equally true of other narcotics. 



