Article March 11, 1905 Issue

Victory over Drink

FRANK BELL.

Christian Science has been notably effective in the healing of drunkenness. Why? In large measure because Christian Science supplies rightly that which the drinker seeks wrongly, and in the end vainly, through alcohol. Why do men drink? For a thousand indirect reasons, says the world. But, putting indirection aside, and judging the use of alcohol by its immediate fruits, we ascertain that men drink, in many instances, "to get away from themselves."

What are the troubles of this unsatisfactory "self" from which mortals would escape even into the stupid illusions of intoxication? Many things in general, usually two or three in particular, but all are embraced in a common denominator—limitation. One man seems to become joyous in drink, who, in his sober sense of himself, had doubtless too much of grief, and, whether clearly conscious of the fact or not, he is drinking "to drown his sorrow." The effect points to the cause. Another man in his intoxication acquires an extraordinary conceit as to his personal prowess—strength and dexterity of arm, quickness and accuracy of eye—boastingly confident of his ability "to whip any half-dozen men in town." He has lost for the moment a sense of weakness which probably has been the chief impediment in his career. Another, after imbiding a given quantity of alcohol, acts as though possessing unlimited wealth, notwithstanding the fact that his prevailing thought of himself has been a belief of financial lack.

Similiar examples might be cited indefinitely; but these are typical and sufficient to direct attention to the underlying impulse of virtually all forms and degrees of drunkenness; namely, mortal man's yearning to be released from a sense of limitation which he instinctively feels is unjust, unnatural, and unlawful. If it were possible to measure and compare the mental conditions of drinkers, it would be discovered, probably, that in many cases the degree of drunkenness is in proportion to the individual development of an odious sense of personal incompleteness. Incidentally, this view of alcoholism may explain the futility of warning the drinker against the consequences of his practices. Those who contend that the drunkard does not count the cost of drunkenness speak from observation, not experience. The man who drinks is, as a rule, neither ignorant of the penalty nor indifferent to it. He knows what another debauch will mean to himself and those dependent on him. This very knowledge may beget sufficient fear to counteract the temptation for a while; but the pressing suggestions of a vital need unsupplied—be it health, wealth, happiness, courage, intelligence, fame, or what not—present themselves each day with renewed aggressiveness, until, finally, good intentions, will-power, self-respect, honor, succumb to the cumulative effects of abhorrent mental concepts, and the victim returns to his drink, willing to pay the price for a few hours' indulgence of appetite, and forgetfulness.

Send a comment to the editors

We'd love to hear from you!

Easily submit your testimonies, articles, and poems online.

Submit

Victory over Drink

We'd love to hear from you!

Sign up for unlimited access