Some recreational drugs linked to major rise in stroke risk, review finds
Mar 9th 2026
A major review of 32 studies involving over 100 million people found amphetamines and cocaine more than double stroke risk and raise concern for younger adults, while cannabis shows a smaller increase and opioids showed no clear link.
- A pooled analysis of 32 studies covering more than 100 million people found amphetamines and cocaine were linked to large increases in stroke risk.
- Amphetamine use was associated with a 122% higher stroke risk overall and a nearly threefold risk in people under 55.
- Cocaine use was associated with a 96% higher stroke risk overall and a similar 97% higher risk in under-55s.
- Cannabis use was linked to a 37% higher stroke risk overall and a 14% higher risk in under-55s.
- Researchers found no evidence that opioids increased stroke risk in the reviewed studies.
- Genetic analyses in the study strengthened the suspicion that drug use, rather than other health differences, may contribute to higher stroke risk.
- Possible mechanisms include sudden high blood pressure, narrowing of brain blood vessels, accelerated artery hardening, and increased clotting risk.
- Findings are published in the International Journal of Stroke and come as global recreational drug use has risen, with UN estimates of about 300 million regular users worldwide.