110
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In whatever way formed, the habit once estab- lished undermines the health; the blood is spoiled, nutrition impaired and digestion vitiated. In addition there are marked symptoms of a vasomotor type, such as palpitations, attacks of breathlessless, cold sweatings; further the patient complains of nerve disturbances such as numbness here and there, perverted sensations, itchings and creepings. Hallucinations of the various senses are frequent, and these may underlie very troublesome delusions as, for example, that the body is infested with vermin, and in the end pronounced delusional insanity may ensue. Apart from such extreme cases,
the confirmed cocainist shows in a marked degree loss of memory and of the power of sustained attention, as well as a weakened volition and a complete lack of enterprise or "go"; sleeplessness is likely to be a feature of his
case.
General Conclusions.
The statements of medical experts quoted above shew clearly the ill effects which attend excessive consumption of cocaine and indicate the necessity of severe restrictions on the sale of this drug in countries where its misuse is common.
In India, judging by the fall in imports which has taken place since 1904-05, it appears certain that the restrictions placed on the sale of the drug have been effective in diminishing its use, and it seems likely
?
that similar regulations would be useful in other Eastern countries in which the consumption of cocaine
is