German author Norman Ohler, whose book "Der Totale Rausch" ("Total Rush") was published in Germany last week, revealed that the methamphetamine-based drug Pervitin was manufactured by the Nazis and given to their forces in order to help soldiers endure high stress levels and tiredness, according to The Independent.
"In the beginning the army didn't realize Pervitin was a drug: soldiers thought it was just like drinking coffee," Ohler said.
Methamphetamine is a central nervous system stimulant that increases the activity of the neurotransmitters dopamine, serotonin and norepinephrine, which in turn leads to increased alertness, focus and concentration.
The Nazis used the drug for invasions, in particular the Blitzkriegs that took place in Sudetenland, Poland, and France, Yahoo! News reported.
The drug, which was initially marketed as a "miracle pill," became illegal in 1941, although sources in Germany say that its use among soldiers continued even after this ban.
Some of the withdrawal effects that manifest after methamphetamine use include irritability, anger and rage, which undoubtedly played a rule in the ruthlessness of the Nazi regime, according to The Daily Beast.
Regular methamphetamine use can cause severe long-term damage to the brain that can lead to neurological deficiencies, aggressive behavior and even psychosis.
