Treatment of Habitual Drunkards.

Poverty Bay Herald, Volume XX, Issue 6769, 5 September 1893, Page 4

Treatment of Habitual Drunkards.

Expert opinion is hardening to the conviction that in the case of habitual drunkards the only hope of successful treatment lies in the power of compulsory seclusion. This was the finding to which the Inebriates Committee, which has reported in England, was forced after a most careful investigation into the matter. Its recommendation upon this point was established on the testimony of many leading members of the medical profession. In a memorial to the committee, signed by 81 physicians and surgeons, including among their number men of world-wide reputation, such as Sir William Jenner, Sir Richard Quain, Sir James Paget, Sir B. W. Richardson, and others of equal eminence, the pressing nsed of further legislation in dealing with inebriates was strongly urged. Under the present law a person may voluntarily place himself under restraint for a period not exceeding a twelvemonth, but practically this provision ia found to be of little effect. Very few persons, especially ladies, will go before magistrates and openly admit their failing, though there seems to be an idea that if non-publicity could be secured, more would be ready to avail themselves of this means of battling with their overpowering habit. Experience, however, proves that some power of compulsory restraint, of course under due safeguards against misuse, is needed with men and women who cannot control themselves in this respect. The deliberate opinion of the medical profession, as expressed through their representatives, is that much good may be done to inebriates if compulsory detention can be enforced for a sufficient time, and if upon release and subsequent break-down they can again be placed under control without delay or difficulty. Drunkards must be coerced for their own good. Sir Andrew Clark affirms that the drinking habit is difficult of cure in men, but it is almost impossible in women. When taken early, cures may bo obtained in both sexes ; but even then the proportion in women is painfully small. Sir Andrew Clark, making reference to his own practice, declares that he cannot look back upon five recoveries in women, while he can look back upon hundreds in men. The governor of Pentonville also confirms the same view of the almost thorough hopelessness of reclamation in women when they give themselves away to vicious habits. Dr. Norman Kerr does not adopt quite so gruesome an inference, nor does he consider it necessary that the detention of women should be longer than of men. A reasonable suggestion offered in explanation of the difference between men and women is that the latter are screened for a longer time, and have become very bad before their cases are brought to the notice of a physician, while their cure is more difficult because they have fewer occupations to divert their thoughts. Compulsory seclusion of the habitual drunkard is defended by Sir Andrew Clark on the ground that by so doing the man, his family, and the State are rendered inestimable service.