Hitler was High During Most of World War II Says Norman Ohler (HBO)

Summary

The bestseller 'Blitzed' reveals Adolf Hitler's extensive drug use during WWII, supported by records from his physician, Theo Morell. Hitler's dependency on narcotics like Eukodal, a powerful opiate, and the widespread methamphetamine use by the German army are highlighted. Despite the drugs' influence on their actions, the author argues that it doesn't absolve the Nazis of their responsibilities for their heinous acts.

Takeaways

• 📚 Hitler was known to be a vegetarian, fond of the toothbrush mustache, and a failed artist.
• 💊 The book 'Blitzed' details that Hitler was a heavy drug user, consuming narcotics throughout much of World War II.
• 🏥 Records from Hitler's personal physician, Theo Morell, provide evidence of Hitler's drug use.
• 🧪 Morell was a celebrity doctor known for vitamin treatments and was also a pioneer in their use.
• 🤔 The interviewee suggests that their background as a novelist and familiarity with drugs may have influenced their interpretation of the historical evidence.
• 🚫 Hitler's image was carefully crafted to show him as a teetotaler, avoiding alcohol, cigarettes, and meat.
• 🤒 In 1941, Hitler fell ill, and Morell began administering drugs, including opiates.
• 💉 By 1943, Hitler was using Eukodal, a powerful opiate with strong euphoric effects, now known as oxycodone.
• ⚔️ The German army also widely used methamphetamine to reduce the need for sleep and fear, particularly before the attack on France.
• 💥 The success of methamphetamine in early campaigns eventually declined, and the bombing of drug factories by the British in 1944 impacted drug supply.
• 🔥 Hitler's reliance on drugs and the eventual shortage led to conflicts with Morell, who was eventually fired.

Q & A

What does the book 'Blitzed' reveal about Adolf Hitler's drug use?

The book 'Blitzed' details that Adolf Hitler was a heavy user of narcotics, including methamphetamine and opiates like Eukodal, which is stronger than heroin, throughout much of World War II.

How did the author of 'Blitzed' gain access to information about Hitler's drug use?

The author was able to access records and notes of Theo Morell, Hitler's personal physician, which provided evidence of Hitler's drug use.

What was Theo Morell's profession and how does it relate to Hitler's drug use?

Theo Morell was a well-paid celebrity doctor of the 1930s who was a pioneer in treating people with vitamins. He became Hitler's personal physician and administered various drugs to him, including narcotics.

What was the significance of Eukodal in Hitler's drug regimen?

Eukodal, which is now known as oxycodone, was a powerful opiate that Hitler was given for its strong euphoric effects.

How did the German army's use of methamphetamine impact their warfare strategy?

Methamphetamine was used by the German army to reduce the need for sleep and to diminish fear, which allowed them to carry out operations, such as the attack on France, without the usual need for rest.

What was the role of drugs in the early success of the German army during World War II?

Drugs like methamphetamine were used to enhance the performance of the German army, enabling them to fight without the need for sleep and with reduced fear, contributing to their early victories.

How did the bombing of drug factories by the British affect Hitler's access to drugs?

When the British bombed the factories producing drugs, Hitler and his doctor faced difficulties in obtaining the drugs they needed, leading to a crisis in Hitler's drug supply.

What was the consequence for Theo Morell when he couldn't provide drugs to Hitler?

When Morell could not provide Hitler with strong drugs, including on Hitler's birthday, Hitler fired him a few days later.

Does the revelation of Hitler's drug use humanize the Nazis in any way?

The author of 'Blitzed' argues that while drugs were used and had an impact on the war effort, they do not lessen the responsibility for the political decisions and actions taken by the Nazis.

How did the portrayal of Hitler as a teetotaler align with his actual drug use?

Despite being portrayed as a teetotaler who abstained from alcohol, cigarettes, and meat, Hitler's actual drug use, as revealed in the records, contradicts this image.

What was the ultimate conclusion of the author regarding the impact of drugs on the Nazis' responsibility for their actions?

The author concludes that the use of drugs by Hitler and the Nazis does not mitigate their responsibility for the atrocities committed during the war.