List of psychoactive drugs used by militaries

List of Psychoactive Drugs Used by Militaries

The use of psychoactive drugs by militaries is a practice that spans across various cultures and epochs. These substances, which alter perception, mood, consciousness, cognition, or behavior, have been utilized for their performance-enhancing, therapeutic, and recreational properties. This article provides an overview of notable psychoactive drugs that have been reported to be used by military forces around the world.

Stimulants

Stimulants are drugs that increase alertness, attention, and energy. They are often used in military contexts to combat fatigue, enhance endurance, and improve focus during extended operations.

• Amphetamine: Widely used during World War II by several countries to maintain alertness and delay fatigue among soldiers. It continues to be used in certain military operations to sustain wakefulness.
• Modafinil: A newer stimulant with fewer side effects compared to amphetamines. It is used by some air forces, including the United States Air Force, to help pilots remain alert during long missions.
• Caffeine: Perhaps the most commonly used psychoactive substance, caffeine is consumed in various forms (coffee, tea, energy drinks) to enhance alertness and performance.

Sedatives and Hypnotics

These substances are used to induce sleep or reduce anxiety in situations where rest is crucial but difficult to achieve due to stress or environmental factors.

• Benzodiazepines: Used for their anxiolytic and hypnotic effects, particularly in scenarios involving high stress or the need to rest in preparation for operations.
• Zolpidem: A short-acting hypnotic prescribed to manage insomnia, including in military contexts where rapid sleep onset is necessary.

Analgesics

Pain management is critical in military medicine, both on and off the battlefield. Analgesics are used to alleviate pain, allowing soldiers to continue their mission or recover from injuries.

• Morphine: A potent opiate used for severe pain, often administered in emergency situations or in combat casualty care.
• Ketamine: Initially used as an anesthetic, ketamine has been employed for its analgesic and antidepressant effects, particularly in treating chronic pain and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) among veterans.

Performance Enhancers

In addition to stimulants, other substances are used to enhance physical and cognitive performance.

• Anabolic steroids: Synthetic substances similar to the male sex hormone testosterone. They are sometimes used to increase muscle mass and strength.
• Erythropoietin (EPO): A hormone used to increase red blood cell count, enhancing oxygen delivery to muscles and improving endurance.

Psychedelics

Psychedelics have been researched for various applications, including as potential tools for psychological warfare or to treat mental health conditions among veterans.

• LSD (Lysergic acid diethylamide): Investigated by the CIA under Project MKUltra for its potential use in mind control and chemical warfare, though not operationally deployed.
• MDMA (Ecstasy): Currently under research for its potential to assist in treating PTSD among military personnel and veterans.

Challenges and Controversies

The use of psychoactive drugs in military contexts raises ethical, legal, and health-related concerns. Issues such as dependency, long-term health effects, consent, and the potential for abuse are subjects of ongoing debate.

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The use of psychoactive substances by militaries is a complex topic, influenced by medical, ethical, and tactical considerations. As research continues and the nature of warfare evolves, the list of substances and their applications may change.