Introduction to the special issue on stress and substance use.

Abstract

In the past fifty years our rapid growth in population, . . . our mechanical inventions, . . . our mad race for speedy wealth, which entails feverish excitements, and unfits so many for the pursuit of moderate gain and contentment-all this is a growth so rapid, and in some respects so abnormal, that in many directions the mental strain has been too much for the physical system to bear. . . till finally the overworked body and the overtaxed brain must needs be braced up with the stimulus of alcoholic liquors, or find rest in the repeated use of opium or morphine. And thus the ranks of the confirmed drunkards and “opium eaters” are constantly and alarmingly increased. Cole (1 895)