Study Links Recreational Drugs to Increased Stroke Risk

A study published in the International Journal of Stroke, led by Dr. Megan Ritson and co-authored by Dr.

Eric Harshfield from the University of Cambridge, has found that recreational drug use, particularly cannabis, cocaine, and amphetamines, significantly increases the risk of stroke. The research analyzed data from 100 million individuals and determined that amphetamines are associated with a 174% increase in stroke risk, cocaine with a 96% increase, and cannabis with a 37% increase among adults aged 55 and younger.

The study aimed to examine whether recreational drug use contributes to stroke conditions, which remain the third leading cause of death and disability worldwide. The findings suggest that drug use may directly contribute to stroke risk rather than being solely linked to lifestyle factors.

The study also indicated that cocaine use is strongly associated with brain hemorrhage and cardioembolic stroke, while cannabis use is linked to large artery strokes. The research emphasizes the importance of reducing substance abuse as part of broader stroke prevention efforts.