#290 - Hitler’s Favorite Way to Get High: Drugs in the Third Reich | Norman Ohler
Mar 18, 2025
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Norman Ohler, an author and screenwriter, dives deep into the astounding role of drugs in Nazi Germany, particularly Hitler's personal dependence on meth. He discusses bizarre historical revelations, like the practice of using performance-enhancing drugs for military gain and how amphetamines shaped both creativity and wartime strategies. Ohler even touches on the peculiarities of Nazi obsessions and the ethical dilemmas surrounding drug use, revealing how intertwined these substances were with ideologies of power and control.
The podcast highlights the extensive use of methamphetamine by the Nazi military to enhance soldier performance and combat effectiveness.
Hitler's physician, Theo Morell, played a crucial role in administering opioids and managing Hitler's health during significant political events.
Current military drug use parallels historical practices by incorporating substances like Captagon to improve troop morale and performance.
The discussion raises ethical concerns about drug testing on humans, particularly the lessons learned from Nazi experiments regarding accountability and human rights.
Deep dives
The Shift from Punk to Electronic Music
The conversation reflects a shift in music culture, highlighting a transition from punk rock and grunge to electronic music, particularly in Berlin during the 90s. The speaker recalls attending a Nirvana concert shortly before Kurt Cobain's death, marking a pivotal moment that led to the realization that traditional music forms were fading. This realization coincided with the rise of electronic music, particularly techno, which began to flourish in Berlin clubs, capturing the speaker's interest. The vibrant techno scene represented a new, dynamic cultural shift, demonstrating how music evolves in response to social and historical contexts.
The Historical Context of Drugs in Nazi Germany
The discussion delves into the intricate relationship between drug use and the Nazi regime, particularly focusing on methamphetamine. While many assume that drug use was rampant among Nazi leaders like Hitler, the reality is that much of this stimulant use was directed towards soldiers. The German army utilized meth to enhance performance and combat readiness, exemplifying the regime's utilitarian approach to drug use in military strategy. This understanding shifts the narrative about Hitler's drug use, emphasizing that he personally avoided meth, preferring other substances like opioids.
The Role of Stimulants in WWII Tactics
The podcast reveals how amphetamines were crucial for soldiers during World War II, providing not just a physical edge but also reshaping military tactics. Orders prescribed the systematic use of Pervitin, helping soldiers maintain alertness and endurance during combat. This practice highlighted a broader strategy aimed at achieving swift victories, as was evident in the German blitzkrieg against France. The military's reliance on stimulants illustrated a disturbing intersection between pharmacology and warfare, showcasing both innovation and moral implications.
Hitler's Physician and Drug Administration
The podcast highlights the pivotal role of Hitler’s personal physician, Theo Morell, and how his practices directly impacted Hitler's health management. Morell administered various substances, including opioids, to counteract Hitler's depression and anxiety during critical moments. This relationship illustrates the complexities surrounding addiction, personal health, and political power, indicating that drug administration linked tightly with the regime's ideologies. Morell's methods raise questions about ethics in medical practice, particularly regarding addiction and accountability.
The Perception of Drug Use in Modern Warfare
Current discussions surrounding drug use in military contexts reveal parallels with past practices, such as those in Nazi Germany. The conversation mentions how modern militaries continue to explore performance-enhancing substances for various reasons, including combat effectiveness and troop morale. There is a mention of how drugs like Captagon are allegedly used by Russian soldiers, comparable to the historical context of meth use during WWII. This consideration of drug efficacy versus moral implications introduces a complex dialogue about the ethics of enhancing human performance in warfare.
The Legacy of Drug Experimentation
The lasting impact of WWII-era drug experimentation has shaped subsequent societal attitudes toward pharmacology and mental health treatments. This includes a discussion on the potential benefits of psychedelics and their historical misuse during Nazi Germany, where they were tested for interrogation purposes. The ethics of drug testing on humans, especially vulnerable populations, become a focal point, raising critical questions about accountability and human rights. Understanding this history is crucial for addressing contemporary issues surrounding drug regulation and therapeutic use.
Cultural Reflections on Pill Use
The topics discussed present a cultural reflection on the normalization of pill use throughout history, both in military and civilian contexts. The podcast draws parallels between WWII-era drug use and today's consumption of stimulants and other drugs in society. The conversation suggests that the commonality of seeking performance enhancement through substances is intrinsic to human behavior, transcending time periods and contexts. This perspective encourages a reconsideration of societal narratives surrounding drugs, addiction, and their roles in everyday life.
Norman Ohler is an author and screenwriter whose non-fiction books include "Blitzed: Drugs in Nazi Germany," and "Tripped: Nazi Germany, The CIA and the Dawn of the Psychedelic Age."
