It becomes evident, therefore, that the handling of an opiate addict, preliminary to withdrawal of the drug to which he is addicted is of greatest importance. The ease of withdrawal and rapidity and completeness of subsequent recuperation, is largely commensurate with the extent of organic dependence upon the drug and the physical condition of the patient. One man using the same amount as another is dependent upon its effects for the support of his organic processes to a much greater extent. The evident solution lies in a preliminary stage, removing inhibition, reducing in so far as possible organic and functional dependence upon drug, and putting the patient into the best possible reactive condition. I believe that in many cases it is imperative for successful issue to train the patient for the shock and strain of opiate withdrawal and in practically all other cases, though less imperative, most desirable. It has been objected that this will prolong treatment. My experience has been that it very much facilitates withdrawal treatment, and not only renders it easier and more uniformly successful and complete, but that it tends to shorten and make less troublesome, and in some cases practically eliminates, convalescence. I have therefore instituted as an important part of my procedure, a Preliminary Stage of study and handling and treatment of my patient before attempting withdrawal of the drug. During this time I study my patient, regarding him not simply as a narcotic addict but as a sick man to be investigated as carefully as a cardiac or any other patient, and all his organic and functional conditions appreciated, and all of his functional and glandular actions estimated in their competency and balance and their reactions both to the drug of addiction and to the influences of addiction disease mechanism. Conditions long masked by opiates, and forgotten, even by the patient himself, may seriously affect treatment, convalescence and prognosis if undetected before withdrawal is instituted. Their relations to and possible influence upon addiction and its treatment, and fully as important--the possible effect of treatment and withdrawal of drug upon them, should be very carefully estimated. If advisable or possible they should be remedied before withdrawal of the drug of addiction.