Researchers at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem have confirmed that reminders of collective national trauma trigger an immediate, reflexive spike in cravings for tobacco and cannabis. Conducted in collaboration with the Israel Center for Addiction and Mental Health, the study suggests these sudden urges function as a subconscious shield against existential dread.
The research, led by Dr. Vera Skvirsky and Dr. Uri Lifshin, utilizes Terror Management Theory to explain this phenomenon. When confronted with reminders of tragedy, humans instinctively deploy cognitive defenses. For regular substance users, lighting up acts as a rapid defense mechanism designed to temporarily distract the brain from terrifying thoughts of mortality.
To test this theory, the research team conducted two distinct experiments:
- Cannabis Study: Moderate-to-high-risk cannabis users read an article about the October 7 attacks on Israel, complete with recognizable images. They reported a stark, immediate increase in cravings compared to a control group that read about dental pain.
- Tobacco Study: Daily tobacco smokers underwent the same methodology, yielding an identical, intense surge in nicotine cravings following the trauma prompt.
The data also revealed that individuals with high attachment anxiety—those who worry about their support networks—consistently reported the highest overall cravings. Surprisingly, traditional anxiety buffers, such as high self-esteem, attachment security, and a strong sense of national identity, did not diminish the trauma-induced cravings. This indicates that the urge is a reflexive reaction to suppress threatening thoughts, rather than a conscious coping strategy.
As global populations continue to face war, terrorism, and collective uncertainty, these findings highlight how deeply addictive behaviors are intertwined with psychological survival. It also raises critical questions about how constant exposure to traumatic news media shapes public health and substance abuse trends, even long after a crisis has subsided.
Journal reference:
Skvirsky, V., et al. (2026). The effect of collective trauma on craving for cannabis and tobacco. Journal of Health Psychology. DOI: 10.1177/13591053261450563. https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/13591053261450563
