What is intoxication?
Intoxication, literally poisoning. The word is applied commonly to the condition produced by the excessive use of alcoholic liquors or of narcotics, such as opium of belladonna. A large quantity of liquor, especially if taken by one unaccustomed to its use may result in acute intoxication, which unless assistance is given promptly, will cause death in from thirty minutes to six hours. In sub-acute intoxication, the first effect of the liquor is to increase the circulation of the blood, as a result of which all the functions of both body and mind seem to be exercised with increased freedom. Bluntness of the sense of touch is likely to follow, with dizziness, and that loss of muscular control which leads to staggering. Temperamental peculiarities and faults of character are manifested with no apparent effort at their control. The mind seems to lose its power of associating ideas. The eyes see double sometimes and the hearing is affected. A prolonged sleep or stupor follows. On awaking, headache, nausea and mental depression are common. These symptoms vary in different individuáis, and with the form and amount of alcohol taken. If immoderate indulgence in liquor be continued, the result is a case of chronic alcoholism in which nearly every organ of the body is affected. As alcohol is taken directly into the circulation, irritation is produced wherever it comes in con-tact with any tissue. If this irritation continúes, new cells of connective tissue are formed. which lead to various diseases and disturbances in the functions of the various organs in which such growths occur. The heart, liver. and stomach suffer most perhaps. but in general the bodily strength decreases, there is loss of memory and will-power. and the result is mental and moral deterioration.
