WWII Drug Use: The Role of Methamphetamine and Amphetamines in the Battlefield

The role of methamphetamine and amphetamines in World War II is often glossed over in historical accounts, yet their impact on the battlefield was significant and widespread. From the U.S. to Germany and Japan, these stimulants played a crucial role in boosting endurance and combat effectiveness during the conflict.

U.S. Soldiers and Methamphetamine

During World War II, U.S. soldiers were given methamphetamine, primarily in the form of a pill called Benzedrine. Initially developed as a treatment for asthma, Benzedrine was later used by military personnel to improve performance. This use of stimulants was not unique to the U.S. and was practiced to some extent by other countries as well. Germany and Japan, for example, also administered methamphetamine to their troops to boost endurance and combat effectiveness. However, the U.S. was one of the more significant users, with Allied bomber crews regularly taking amphetamine pills to remain alert during long missions.

Interestingly, even U.S. Naval aviators were given stimulants during the war. While I can’t recall the specific drug’s name, it was similar to amphetamine. Upon return from a mission, flight surgeons would often give the aviators doses of alcohol, which counteracted the stimulant effects, providing a sense of relaxation. Throughout 1961, while serving as a radar/ECM operator in a Martin Marlin patrol plane, survival kits in our flight suits contained amphetamines. However, I did not use these pills.

Germany and Methamphetamines

Germany, particularly during the early stages of World War II, heavily relied on methamphetamine. Pervitin, a German product patented in 1937, contained methamphetamine. It was freely available as a medicine until 1939 and became popular in Berlin like coffee, where people drank it to boost their energy. The company behind Pervitin aimed to make it competitive with Coca-Cola. Eventually, the Germans realized the potential of this stimulant for soldiers, who could remain awake for extended periods, particularly in the initial engagements like the invasion of Sudetenland, Poland, and France. The German army ordered 35 million tablets for the advance on France in 1940. However, in 1941, Pervitin was outlawed and declared an illegal drug within the military.

Despite this, records indicate that Pervitin was still used, as it provided temporary boosts during battles. The same author's findings suggest that even in the brutal conditions of Stalingrad, Pervitin was still issued but had little effect. In this context, the use of stimulants like methamphetamine and amphetamines was not a secret, and it eventually came to the attention of Allied forces.

The British and American Response

Britain faced similar challenges and responded with amphetamines. Recognizing the need to counter the German soldiers’ heightened endurance, the British began distributing amphetamines to their troops. The U.S. military, whose soldiers were often passing through training bases in Britain before heading to the war theater, quickly adopted these stimulants. The American military became heavily reliant on amphetamines during both World War II and the Korean War, where pilots used these drugs to stay alert during long missions.

This widespread use of stimulants reinforced their spread beyond Germany. Other countries, including the U.S. and Japan, also utilized these drugs to boost their troops' performance, highlighting the global impact of wartime stimulant use.

Japan's Experience with Methamphetamine

Japan, like other nations, also distributed crystal methamphetamine to its soldiers. Anyone needing to stay awake and work longer without eating was given this form of methamphetamine. This practice was not limited to soldiers; factory workers and even kamikaze pilots often took this drug, understanding its euphoric effects and the temporary boost it provided. However, the effects proved to be disastrous long-term. After the war, Japan began to see the first reported cases of psychosis due to methamphetamine abuse, culminating in a 1948 ban on its use in tablet or powdered form. This led to an increase in hospitalizations and drug-related crimes, underscoring the dangers of such substances.

Conclusion

The use of methamphetamine and amphetamines during World War II was a significant aspect of the conflict, influencing military strategies and individual performances. While these stimulants provided temporary boosts, they also raised concerns about addiction and long-term health effects. Understanding this history provides valuable insights into the impact of wartime conditions on military and personal health.