THE DRUG HABIT.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 19260, 26 August 1924, Page 8

THE DRUG HABIT.

REMARKABLE CONFESSION. “WILL POWER SAPPED.” CASE IN ADELAIDE. iFbom Oob Own Correspondent. l SYDNEY, August 14. A remarkable confession of inability to break himself off the cocaine habit, together with a plea to be placed in a home for treatment was made in the Adelaide Police Court by Philip H. Ross, a man of evident culture and good education, when he appeared on two charges of having forged doctors prescriptions for cocaine. After evidence had been given alleging that Ross had obtained the drug by signing fictitious names to prescriptions, saying that he was a Victorian doctor, and that he had admitted that he was not a doctor, the accused, in addressing the magistrate, said: “I wish to make a statement. I was born in Capetown, in March, 1874. I qualified as Bachelor of Medicine and Master of Surgery at St. George’s Hospital, London, in 1915. My father was the senior medical practitioner at Capetown. lam registered under the South African Medical Association, but have never practised, having no desire to do so. I was a member of the South African forces on active service in Prance, 1917. 1 suffered both gas and shell-shock, and was under treatment at No. 3 Base Hospital, Rouen. I was in the French division of the hospital, and the French doctor gave me repeated doses of cocaine. On my return to South' Africa 1 found 1 could not do without the drug. Beuig a medical man, I had no difficulty in getting supplies. Prom that time to this I have been addicted to the drug, and as far as I am concerned I can’t break myself of the habit without outside help. I admit going to Mr Moores chemist shop and making the false statement, whereby I obtained the cocaine, but 1 emphatically wish to state I had no intention whatever of committing forgery, as I did not know that signing a fictitious name was forgery, and I don’t know it now. I am the only person who has .suifared through this drug habit. i have lost my position, my friends, and all social standing, and I desire, if it is within the power of the authorities to do so, to bo sent to some home for treatment, as my will power is too far sapped for me to break this habit on mv own.” The accused, when committed for trial, asked for bail, remarking _ that although he was quite alone in this country, he had friends ‘‘who might or might not” stand by him. ‘‘Do you think it is in his own interest to grant him bail?” Detective-Sergeant Allchurclv: No. I do not. He will receive medical treatment at the Adelaide Gaol. The accused: They are treating rno at the gaol now with bromide of potassium, but as a medical man 1 can tel! you that is no good. I have had this habit for six years, and it would be injurious to break it off suddenly. Hops was allowed bail in a personal bond of £SO and one surety of £6O on each charge.