Intoxication and Addiction. Psychiatric Observations on Alcoholism and Opiate Drug Addiction

Abstract

A review, from a psychiatric perspective, of acute and chronic intoxication with alcoholic beverages and opiate drugs. The differences and similarities of acute and chronic intoxication with these substances are described. The personality and cultural factors leading to alcoholism and opiate addiction are discussed. The literature and the author''s own experience suggest there is basic similarity in the personality structure and needs of alcoholics and opiate addicts. These persons are notably similar with regard to the following 5 areas: (1) Regressive, infantile or oral needs; (2) Isolation, narcissism; (3) Pregenital arrest of psychosexual development, expressed in a variety of sexual pathology; (4) Conflicts over dependency; (5) Masochism. The choice and meaning of the sedative intoxicant drug is complexly determined by the social, cultural and historical situation, and by constitutional differences to the subtle emotional effects of the drugs themselves. References through January, 1955 are cited.