A comprehensive study on recreational drug use and its connection to stroke risk has highlighted three specific substances—one of which may significantly escalate the likelihood of a brain hemorrhage.
Researchers from the University of Cambridge in the UK analyzed data showing that individuals who used amphetamines, cocaine, or cannabis recreationally faced a higher chance of experiencing strokes compared to those who do not use these substances.
Amphetamines posed the highest risk, with cocaine coming in close behind. Cannabis users exhibited a notable, albeit lower, risk of stroke, comparable to heavy alcohol consumption.
This extensive review included health information from over 100 million individuals involved in prior studies regarding recreational drug use. Additionally, the researchers examined past genetic research to see if the stroke risks related to these drugs might indicate direct causes.
Lead researcher Megan Ritson, who focuses on stroke genetics at Cambridge, noted that the results offer “strong evidence” that drugs such as cocaine, amphetamines, and cannabis actively contribute to an increased stroke risk.
Amphetamines, particularly, are recognized as powerful and highly addictive stimulants often referred to on the streets as ‘meth’ or ‘ice’.
After integrating data from eight previous studies, Ritson and her team found that using amphetamines more than doubles the stroke risk for adults across all age brackets; for those under 55, the risk nearly triples.
When considering all ages, using amphetamines recreationally raises the threat of ischemic stroke (a type caused by a blood clot) by 137 percent, while the risk of hemorrhagic stroke (where a blood vessel ruptures) jumps by 183 percent.
This doesn’t indicate that every amphetamine user will have a stroke, but it suggests their risk may be nearly three times that of non-users.
Cocaine similarly presented a significant risk. It almost doubles the likelihood of any stroke and significantly elevates the risk for hemorrhagic strokes.
In a genetic analysis, it was further reinforced that cocaine use disorder is linked to specific stroke types, though the mechanisms behind this aren’t yet fully understood.
Similar to amphetamines, cocaine also acts as an addictive stimulant, which leads to increased blood pressure and narrowed blood vessels, possibly raising the risks of clot-related strokes over time.
As genetic epidemiologist Eric Harshfield points out, the data implies that these drugs elevate stroke risks independently from other lifestyle factors that users might have.
In comparison, cannabis presented a significantly lower stroke risk relative to cocaine and amphetamines, but it was still noteworthy.
Previous research on cannabis and its effects on vascular health, particularly strokes, has been somewhat inconsistent; however, this latest analysis indicates that cannabis use mainly correlates with increased risk for ischemic strokes.
Based on 19 earlier studies, the researchers found that using cannabis recreationally is linked to a 16 percent increase in the risk of any type of stroke and a 39 percent increase specifically for ischemic strokes.
Among those under 55, the stroke risk increased by 14 percent with cannabis use.
Interestingly, the study revealed no correlation between recreational opioid use and any heightened stroke risk.
Ritson remarked to a publication that “illicit drug use represents a preventable stroke risk,” highlighting a concern that young people might not fully grasp the extent of the danger.
Currently, research indicates that heavy alcohol use and recreational drugs such as amphetamines or cocaine can substantially elevate stroke risks.
However, individual stroke risk can vary widely from person to person, influenced by factors like the duration and intensity of drug use, age, lifestyle, and even genetics.
“These findings offer stronger insights to guide future research and public health initiatives,” Ritson mentioned.
Still, the research team warns that many studies analyzed rely on self-reported drug use, which may introduce variables that complicate the results.
Further studies are necessary to untangle these factors and determine the precise influences on stroke risk, as well as to provide guidelines for recreational users to help safeguard their health.
The results of this study have been published in the International Journal of Stroke.
