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I did a bit of searching here through the forum, but in the end, I came up dry in trying to uncover any real in-depth conversation regarding the subject of drug use amongst soldiers during the war. We often hear the term "Soldier's Disease" being tossed around, a phrase that supposedly originated during the Civil War (though the "disease" itself is debated by scholars and historians):
Now, while I understand that both morphine and opium distribution/consumption was prevalent as used for surgical aides (as well as cannabis having been considered a "new" treatment in relieving pain), I wonder how the leap from medical usage of these substances made the transfer to recreational use and how that is reflected in the history; found, perhaps, in some obscure texts, or, evidenced by some of your wisdoms. I would be very interested to see how this topic stands up as a possible worthy discussion.
I shall begin with an interesting quote from Captain Charles E. Waddell, 12th Virginia:
There is also citation from the book Dan McCook's Regiment: A History of the 52nd OVI in which mention is made of the regimental doctor accidentally overdosing on morphine and being found dead in his tent during winter quarters in 1864.
With those examples given (and they are very limited in horizon), I appeal to the better nature of those members here on the forum that are knowledgeable on such matters so that an educational session of learning might arise out of this somewhat overlooked aspect of the war.
Soldier's Disease: Widespread addiction following massive administration of opiates during the Civil War -- is the earliest and most often repeated example of a drug problem before the narcotics laws. The story exemplifies several basic themes used in support of continued drug prohibition -- addiction is easy to acquire, hard to kick, and is a publicly noticed, i.e. asocial, problem. Soldier's Disease, though, is a myth. Not one case of addiction was reported in medical records or the literature of the time; under ten references were made in the Nineteenth Century to addiction the cause of which was the Civil War; and no perjorative nickname for addicted veterans, like Soldier's Disease, appeared in the literature until 1915, and it did not become part of the Conventional Wisdom of drug experts until almost a century after Appomattox.
Now, while I understand that both morphine and opium distribution/consumption was prevalent as used for surgical aides (as well as cannabis having been considered a "new" treatment in relieving pain), I wonder how the leap from medical usage of these substances made the transfer to recreational use and how that is reflected in the history; found, perhaps, in some obscure texts, or, evidenced by some of your wisdoms. I would be very interested to see how this topic stands up as a possible worthy discussion.
I shall begin with an interesting quote from Captain Charles E. Waddell, 12th Virginia:
"I was nearly exhausted when we reached bivouac & threw myself on the ground to sleep but was so wearied were my limbs, sleep for a while was not obtained. When, however Morhine [sp?] wrapped one in his embraces I slept profoundly & awoke just before sunrise."
With those examples given (and they are very limited in horizon), I appeal to the better nature of those members here on the forum that are knowledgeable on such matters so that an educational session of learning might arise out of this somewhat overlooked aspect of the war.
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