Drug’s Effect Seen On TV

Press, Volume CI, Issue 30007, 17 December 1962, Page 7

Drug’s Effect Seen On TV

(N.Z.* Press Assn.— Copyright) TORONTO, December 14 Canadian tele vision viewers saw an alcoholic Toronto housewife take the controversial drug, lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD), by hypodermic syringe last night in an effort to keep Parliament from banning it. She said she belived L.S.D. was helping cure her addiction to drink, Canadian Press reported. Dr. Abram Hoffer, a pioneer in L.S.D. research, also on the programme, appealed to Parliament not to pass a bill, already introduced. which would restrict use of the drug tn research. The woman, unidentified by request, revealed under the influence of the drug that her drinking was prompted by

loneliness induced by memories of a drunken, overbearing father and a timid, nagging mother. Depth Of Emotion

She told Canadian Press: "It produces a great depth of emotion. I was surprised to be taken right back to my childhood and remembered things I had long forgotten.” Dr. Hoffer told viewers that the drug has helped at least 200 addicts who have been able to give up alcohol easily. A group of Protestant and Jewish ministers sent messages to the Prime Minister (Mr Diefenbaker) and other political leaders today strongly opposing the ban.

Opponents of the drug countered that under its influence some men have been driven mad, and its effects range from visions to acute depression and split personality.