important appointment was not met. These men were not
drinking to escape; they were drinking to overcome a crav-
ing beyond their mental control.

There are many situations which arise out of the phenom-
enon of craving which cause men to make the supreme
sacrifice rather than continue to fight.

The classification of alcoholics seems most difficult, and
in much detail is outside the scope of this book. There are,
of course, the psychopaths who are emotionally unstable.
We are all familiar with this type. They are always "going
on the wagon for keeps." They are over-remorseful and
make many resolutions, but never a decision.

There is the type of man who is unwilling to admit that
he cannot take a drink. He plans various ways of drinking.
He changes his brand or his environment. There is the type
who always believes that after being entirely free from
alcohol for a period of time he can take a drink without
danger. There is the manic-depressive type, who is, per-
haps, the least understood by his friends, and about whom
a whole chapter could be written.

Then there are types entirely normal in every respect
except in the effect alcohol has upon them. They are often
able, intelligent, friendly people.

All these, and many others, have one symptom in com-
mon: they cannot start drinking without developing the
phenomenon of craving. This phenomenon, as we have
suggested, may be the manifestation of an allergy which
differentiates these people, and sets them apart as a distinct
entity. It has never been, by any treatment with which we
are familiar, permanently eradicated. The only relief we
have to suggest is entire abstinence.

This immediately precipitates us into a seething caldron
of debate. Much has been written pro and con, but among
physicians, the general opinion seems to be that most
chronic alcoholics are doomed.