Drugs in warfare

Pervitin was a drug derived from ephedrine and given to German soldiers during World War II.

It was discovered and marketed by Friz Hauschild after he noticed the effect of benzedrine on American athletes during the 1936 German Olympics.

Pervitin was ideal for motivating German soldiers because it reduced their self-preservation instinct by inducing them to take more risks as well as reducing hunger, sleep and sensitivity to pain. It is said to spark a great enthusiasm, as well as a feeling of confidence and omnipotence.

Conversely, it induced addiction, anxiety, depression, clouded the brain and caused arrhythmias, but of course this did not matter to Hitler and the Nazi hierarchy because they were not the ones taking it anyway.

During the conflict, 200 million doses were distributed along with the soldiers’ food.

Military doctors also mixed amphetamines with chocolate and gave it to aviators and tankers in order to keep them awake.

From 1941, the Reich knew that Pervitin brought side effects and risks of addiction. However, even when soldiers were dying because of heart failures or committing suicide due to the psychotic phases, the methamphetamine continued to fuel the country until the end of war.
The primary concern was related to dependence. Indeed, providing soldiers with daily doses inevitably made them, and their performance, dependent on Pervitin.