Did Goering Really Abuse Heroin in WW1 and After?
Ernst Roether was a pivotal figure in Nazi Germany, serving as Minister of Economics and Keyser and ultimately becoming one of the most influential politicians during the regime. Despite popular myths, Goering's addictions and injuries during WW1 were more complex than often portrayed.
Goering and Morphine Addiction: A Complex Reality
Contrary to the popular belief, Goering did not actively suffer from severe heroin addiction during or after WW1. He did, however, develop a significant morphine addiction after a gunshot wound during the Beer Hall Putsch in 1923. This misperception stems from a report that Goering was treated with large doses of heroin during WW1, which is not substantiated by historical records.
The Beer Hall Putsch Wound and Addictive Cycle
During the Beer Hall Putsch, Goering was wounded in his thigh or groin. The wound remained a chronic issue, and he relied heavily on morphine for relief. By 1925, he was injecting morphine five times a day, as recounted by his first wife's family. It was the von Focks who facilitated his treatment, and Goering managed to overcome his addiction later that year.
Morphine for Dental Pain: A New Addictive Path
Goering's addiction did not end there. In 1937, he was prescribed paracodine by Professor Hugo Blaschke, who was Hitler's personal dentist. This new medication led to another round of dependency. Despite this, the Allies ensured that Goering was completely detoxified as he was apprehended in 1945. Two suitcases full of paracodine were seized from him upon his arrival at the detention center in Mondorf.
The Psychological Impact of Detoxification
Dr. Douglas Kelley, a U.S. Army psychiatrist assigned to assist Goering, reportedly stated that the drug did not impair Goering's mental processes. While this could have been influenced by the Allies' intent to ensure Goering's participation in the Nuremberg Trials, it sheds light on the potential psychological resilience Goering exhibited.
Goering in WW1: A Fighter Ace’s Wounds
---
Myth vs. Reality: Goering's Wounds in WW1
There is no evidence to support the claim that Goering was injured during WW1 and later treated with heroin. The popular narrative seems to miss the mark. Ernst Roether did not suffer serious wounds in WW1; rather, his injuries occurred during the Beer Hall Putsch in 1923. This is an important fact to consider when analyzing his actions and decisions during the Nazi era.
The Involvement in the Beer Hall Putsch
During the Beer Hall Putsch, Goering was shot by police and had to be spirited across the border to Austria to avoid arrest. His injuries, though painful, did not warrant significant heroin treatment. The extent of his morphine usage post-WW1 was far more significant and is a crucial aspect of his medical history.