Blitzed

Blitzed: Drugs in Nazi Germany by Norman Ohler is a riveting exploration of the extensive use of drugs in Nazi Germany, from the general population to the highest levels of leadership. Ohler delves into the widespread addiction to methamphetamine among soldiers, the use of heroin and cocaine among the general public, and the shocking dependency on a cocktail of drugs by Adolf Hitler himself.

The book reveals how the Nazi regime, initially advocating for purity and clean living, became deeply entangled with drug use as a means of enhancing performance and maintaining control. Ohler argues that the Nazi military's initial successes in World War II were partly fueled by the widespread distribution of Pervitin, a methamphetamine that kept soldiers awake and energized during grueling campaigns like the Blitzkrieg.

Ohler also uncovers the role of Dr. Theodor Morell, Hitler's personal physician, who administered an array of drugs to the Führer, including opiates, steroids, and methamphetamine. These drugs had significant effects on Hitler's physical and mental state, contributing to his erratic behavior and decision-making in the war's later stages.

The book paints a picture of a society and leadership caught in the grip of addiction, challenging traditional narratives about the efficiency and discipline of the Nazi regime. Ohler's research, supported by diaries, medical records, and other historical documents, offers a new perspective on how drug use influenced the course of World War II and the fate of Nazi Germany.