Posted on 03/29/2005 4:43:04 AM PST by billorites
A group of Russian scientists has suggested caning as a treatment for those who suffer from drug and alcohol addiction as well as depression and suicidal tendencies, the Izvestia daily reports.
The name of the report delivered at the international conference on new methods of treating addictions is “Pain affliction as a method of treatment for addictive behavior and other manifestations of non-vitalistic activity”. Scientists claim that drug addiction, alcoholism, suicidal behavior and psychosomatic disorders are all caused by a lack of zest for life. When a patient is caned, the body starts producing endorphins — happiness hormones — and life seems attractive again.
The recommended treatment course is 30 sessions of 60 cane strokes, delivered on the buttocks by a person of average build. The method has been tested on volunteers and the results are said to be positive.
The scientists claim the effect of the treatment is even greater if a patient is caned by a doctor of the opposite sex.
The author of the method, Doctor Sergei Speransky told the newspaper that people often asked if he was a masochist. “No, I am not a classic masochist,” the doctor said.
You beat me to it.
Was that a pun?
Spare the rod, spoil the Libertarian.
Or, more likely, a traditional sadist. After all, one expects he would be quite happy using his method to help some young female drug addicts break their addiction. ;)
hmmm..lab coat time...and..
...fantasy-actualization-goes- mainstream *ping*
"Zest for life" ... a very scientific concept. Russia continues the proud tradition of Lysenko.
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.