What caused Edgar Allan Poe to constantly use drugs? What made him go insane? What was the cause of his death? How did he live with all the alcohol and drugs he used? What was the reason for the alcohol and drugs being used? Was Edgar Allan Poe really an alcoholic? Is there any evidence for that? What were some facts on why he choose to use drugs?

-- Anonymous, May 01, 2002

Answers

Valerie,

To answer your questions one at a time:

(1) Poe did not constantly (or even ever) use drugs.

(2) He never went 'insane'.

(3) The cause of his death is much debated, but was probably due to exposure.

(4) He lived with alcohol much the same way as anyone who drinks a little too much (including me) does.

(5) Yes, he probably was an alcoholic.

(6) The evidence can be found in any good biography, I recommend Arthur Hobson Quinn's.

(7) If by 'drugs' you mean things other than alcohol, he didn't use any.

-- Anonymous, May 02, 2002

Perhaps one instance in using a form of opium in a faux suicide attempt during his desperate courtship phase after the death of Virginia. In that period he seems to have consciously turned away from alcohol- or tried, his health seemingly seriously affected. He ascribed to the notion of being "driven to drink" especially during Virginia's illness. The mere effect of one drink showed him the danger, but he probably never understood the concept of his personal addiction other than a general psychological disposition to self-destruction and wild stimulation.

-- Anonymous, May 03, 2002

Poe was an alcoholic, smoked opium, and drank absinthe, and close to the end of his life it completly deteriorated and he went mad. He had a very depressing life everyone who he loved he lost, he never had a true connection with anyone or anything except for his addiction.

-- Anonymous, December 09, 2002