DANGER OF DRUGS.

Hawera & Normanby Star, Volume LXV, Issue LXV, 20 December 1913, Page 12

DANGER OF DRUGS.

I Nowadays we are constantly hearing of deaths from overdoses of drugs which Q>le get into the habit of taking proy without any proper prescription, and too often without any adequate reason. In tho first place drugs should never be resorted to unless there is actual necessity for them. Sleeplessness is i frequently a symptom of some condition that can be treated, and when this is done sound ard refreshing sleep fol- | lows as a matter of course. Worry, overwork, ahock, and neurasthenia may , be the real cause of continual insomnia. . Alcohol, tea, coffee, tobacco are ail chemical poisons which* introduced into i the system in too great quantities, will all cause sleepless nights. Dyspepsia, di- | lation of the stomach, arid constipation, diseases of the heart and arteries, asthma and bronchitis, all - these :may be. the root of the trouble, and it is of no use to expect sleep unless the trouble is attacked from the root by proper treatment. Only when such treatment has proved ineffective in restoring normal habits of sleep should recourse be i had to drugs. Such simple methods as* a hot drink at bedtime (milk is specially suitable),, a warm bath, and massage are sometimes enough to induce sleep and ensure a good night's rest. In any ease hypnotics should only be ; used under medical direction. Certain drugs affect certain people in very different ways; a dose that would do no , harm to one man may kill another, and this is the cause of many - serious cases of drug poisoning, which do not end fatally. When a medicaj man prescribes a drug for the relief of sleeplessness it , will probably help the patient to rej covery, but there is a great danger in continuing the use of it or in inereas- ; ing the dose without the doctor's knowj ledge. Some drugs, such as sulphonal

and tribnal, are very slowly absorbed, and are therefor© slow in action. The sufferer becoming impatient, and quite unaware of the peculiar property of the drug, takes another dose, with th 9 result that he runs the risk of being poisoned. The risk is very much increased when a patient suffers from constipation. Nothing is more dangerous than to fly to any of the hypnotics, unfortunately to be obtained very easily, whenever sleep deserts us for. a few nights. Every means should be tried to discover the underlying cause, and if !it cannot be done without help, send J for the doctor, but do not resort to dangerous taMoid br cachet that may wreck your life.