Illicit Drugs Raise Stroke Risk, Even for Younger Adults
Last Updated: Wednesday March 11, 2026
(HealthDay News) Smoking weed, taking a hit of cocaine or popping some amphetamines can raise a person’s risk of stroke – even if they’re a younger adult.
Coke and amphetamines can double or triple the risk of stroke for any adult, researchers reported in the International Journal of Stroke.
Weed also increases stroke risk, but to a lesser extent, British researchers said.
“This is the most comprehensive analysis ever conducted on recreational drug use and stroke risk and provides compelling evidence that drugs like cocaine, amphetamines, and cannabis are causal risk factors for stroke,” lead researcher Megan Ritson said in a news release. She's a postdoctoral research associate with the University of Cambridge.