Page:Popular Science Monthly Volume 27.djvu/355

Rh enemy." During the first three months I gained over twenty pounds in weight.

There is one thing which the habitué, wishing to be cured would perhaps anticipate with dread; that is, an insatiable craving for the old stimulant, and a consequent prolonged and weary resistance of temptation. I can only say that, greatly to my surprise, I have felt no craving for it at any time since the beginning of my treatment. This may seem a strange statement to any one under the sorcery of the drug, and conscious of its fearful grip. There is of course the knowledge, from experience, of the marvelous potency of opium in annulling all discomfort and distress of body or mind; but this is all. The sense of profound satisfaction, ever present, at the release from its slavery, as well as a lively appreciation of the great danger of again tampering with it, is sufficient to leave the temptation—whatever it may be—from such knowledge, powerless.

The special effect of opium on the system is functional. This fact is one great encouragement in attempting a cure from the "habit." The sudden recuperative power manifested, after this paralyzing deadweight is removed, is a great surprise to the patient. Difficulties which had borne to him the grave aspect of serious organic disease vanish as by magic.

There was no secret about this treatment—there were no wonderful remedies unknown to the world used. The therapeutics included bromide of sodium, hot baths, electricity, and other well-known sedative and tonic medicines. The key-stone of the treatment is in preliminary sedation; that is, while the morphia is being rapidly withdrawn—during a period varying from seven to ten days—the nervous system is, at the same time, as rapidly brought under the influence of an efficient sedative, which reaches its maximum effect at the time of complete opiate withdrawal.

Two years have passed since my escape from the thralldom of opium, and during the far larger portion of that time I could record an experience of renewed vitality—a condition of vigor and elasticity that could only have its origin in perfect health. I use no stimulants whatever, other than tea and coffee; and my health has now been so long fully re-established that I feel the better assured in giving some account of my personal experience. I shall be glad if the narrative be of encouragement to others in the same strait—those who have heretofore believed escape from their situation only possible through prolonged agonies. The inevitable chasm which must be crossed in effecting a cure of the opium-disease can be bridged, as I found. One must know something of the breadth and depth of that chasm, to be able to appreciate the achievement.