Can you tell me Poe's mental state & what were some of his addictions

-- Anonymous, October 19, 2003

Answers

No one knows for sure if Poe was really crazy or not, but he was never checked into a mental institution of any sort. As for his addictions, he was addicted to opium and laudanum and had an alcohol problem as well.

-- Anonymous, October 20, 2003

The evidence simply does not support the contention that Poe was addicted to opium, or even a chronic user. (Alcohol, regrettably, is a different matter.) Please don't be so quick to pass on false rumors of this sort. It may be entertaining, but it serves no higher purpose.

-- Anonymous, October 21, 2003