Historical Survival Narcotics

Throughout history, the need for endurance and heightened performance in extreme conditions—whether on the battlefield or during periods of intense hardship—has driven the use of survival narcotics. Governments, militaries, and even civilians have turned to stimulants, opioids, and other psychoactive substances to push beyond the normal limits of human endurance. Some of these substances became infamous for their effects, such as Pervitin, which fueled Nazi soldiers during World War II, while others have persisted in military and civilian life in various forms.

(Pervitin was the most common and widely distributed narcotic used in field operations)

Early Uses of Survival Narcotics

The use of performance-enhancing drugs in warfare and survival predates the modern era. Ancient warriors, explorers, and workers often relied on psychoactive substances to stay awake, suppress hunger, or endure pain.

Coca Leaves (South America): Indigenous Andean cultures have chewed coca leaves for centuries, benefiting from its stimulating effects to endure long journeys through high-altitude terrain.

Opium (Ancient and Early Modern Warfare): In many ancient societies, opium was used as a painkiller for wounded soldiers, helping them continue fighting or endure suffering.

Alcohol (Various Cultures): Armies throughout history, from the Romans to the Napoleonic era, distributed alcohol rations to soldiers to dull pain and boost morale.

The Rise of Synthetic Stimulants in Modern Warfare

The 20th century saw the rise of synthetic stimulants, specifically designed to enhance endurance, alertness, and aggression. These substances were often issued systematically, leading to widespread use in military forces across the world.

Pervitin (Methamphetamine) – Nazi Germany

One of the most infamous military stimulants in history is Pervitin, a methamphetamine distributed to German soldiers during World War II. Marketed originally as a performance-enhancing pill for civilians, the German military quickly realized its potential in warfare. Pervitin reduced fatigue, increased aggression, and heightened alertness, making it a valuable tool for soldiers engaged in Blitzkrieg-style warfare.

However, long-term use led to addiction, hallucinations, and mental breakdowns among soldiers. Many experienced severe withdrawal symptoms and psychotic episodes, which became apparent as the war progressed. The Nazi high command, recognizing the dangers, tried to limit its distribution, but by then, dependence had already taken hold among many soldiers.

Benzedrine (Amphetamine) – Allied Forces

While the Nazis used Pervitin, the Allied forces had their own stimulant of choice: Benzedrine, an amphetamine widely used by British and American troops. Pilots, infantry, and special operations units relied on Benzedrine to remain alert during extended combat missions.

Benzedrine was instrumental in long bombing runs and night operations, allowing aircrews and soldiers to maintain focus. However, just like Pervitin, prolonged use led to addiction, exhaustion, and erratic behavior. Despite its risks, amphetamines continued to be issued in various military campaigns throughout the 20th century.

The Soviet Use of Stimulants

The Soviet Union also explored the use of stimulants in warfare. Though they did not rely as heavily on amphetamines as the Germans and Allies, Soviet forces experimented with various chemicals, including Phenamine (amphetamine) to increase combat endurance. Additionally, Soviet soldiers sometimes resorted to alcohol and other narcotics to deal with the brutal conditions of the Eastern Front.

Vietnam War and the Age of Pharmaceuticals

The Vietnam War saw a dramatic escalation in the use of pharmaceuticals to sustain soldiers in harsh combat conditions.

Dexedrine (Dextroamphetamine): The U.S. military issued Dexedrine, a stronger version of Benzedrine, to keep soldiers alert during patrols and ambushes. Many veterans later suffered from addiction and withdrawal.

Heroin and Opium: The widespread availability of opium in Southeast Asia led to a heroin crisis among U.S. troops, with many becoming dependent while deployed.

Marijuana and Psychedelics: Soldiers also turned to cannabis and psychedelics to cope with the stress and horrors of war, leading to changing attitudes towards drug policy in later years.

Cold War and Beyond: The Evolution of Military Pharmacology

Even after World War II and Vietnam, militaries continued to explore pharmaceutical options for enhanced endurance and stress resistance. The Cold War saw the rise of more sophisticated substances, many of which remain classified.

Modafinil (Modern Cognitive Enhancer): Used by contemporary armed forces, including the U.S. military, Modafinil promotes wakefulness and cognitive function without the intense side effects of amphetamines.

Oxazepam and Diazepam (Anti-Anxiety Drugs): Military and intelligence agencies have used benzodiazepines to help operatives stay calm under pressure.

Experimental Drugs: Governments have continued researching performance-enhancing drugs, with some experimental substances tested for their ability to suppress fear, pain, and fatigue.

The Ethical and Medical Consequences

While survival narcotics have played a role in historical endurance and combat effectiveness, they come with severe consequences. Dependence, addiction, and long-term health problems have plagued soldiers and civilians who relied on these substances.

Modern military policies have shifted towards more controlled use of cognitive enhancers like Modafinil and careful prescription of stimulants. However, the ethical implications of chemically enhancing human endurance remain a topic of debate, especially in the realm of bioengineering and pharmaceutical advancements.

The history of survival narcotics is one of both necessity and peril. From coca leaves in ancient times to methamphetamine-fueled Blitzkrieg soldiers, the use of performance-enhancing drugs has shaped warfare and survival strategies throughout history. While their benefits in endurance and effectiveness are undeniable, their long-term impact on mental and physical health continues to raise serious ethical and medical questions. As pharmacology advances, the question remains: how far should humanity go in chemically pushing the limits of survival?