Drug Use in Wartime: History, Mental Health, and Lasting Impact
- Yasmin Maghsoudloo
- 22 hours ago
- 4 min read
Table of Contents
War places extreme physical and psychological demands on soldiers. Sleep deprivation, constant danger, trauma, and emotional stress create conditions that push the human body and mind to their limits. Throughout modern history, substances have often been used in wartime—sometimes officially issued and other times used informally—to enhance performance, cope with fear, or escape emotional pain.
Understanding drug use in wartime helps shed light on addiction risks among veterans, the long-term mental health effects of combat, and the importance of proper treatment and support during and after military service.
Why Drugs Have Been Used in Wartime
Military environments create unique pressures that can make substance use more likely. These pressures include:
Prolonged sleep deprivation
Extreme physical exhaustion
High stress and fear
Emotional trauma
Long deployments away from family
Constant exposure to life-threatening situations
Substances have historically been used for two primary reasons:
To enhance performance and alertness
To cope with trauma, pain, and emotional distress
In some cases, drug use was encouraged or even supplied by military leadership.
Stimulants in Wartime: Staying Awake and Alert
One of the most common types of substances used during wartime has been stimulants.
Amphetamines and "Go Pills"
During World War II, amphetamines were widely issued to soldiers on all sides of the conflict. These substances helped:
Increase alertness
Reduce fatigue
Improve reaction time
Suppress appetite
Soldiers were able to stay awake for extended periods, which was critical during long missions or combat operations.
Amphetamines were also used in later conflicts, including the Korean War and Vietnam War, often referred to as "go pills."
While these drugs enhanced short-term performance, they carried risks such as:
Addiction
Anxiety
Aggression
Paranoia
Crash and fatigue after use
Sedatives and Alcohol: Coping with Fear and Trauma
While stimulants were used to stay alert, sedatives and alcohol were often used to calm nerves and manage emotional distress.
Alcohol in Military Culture
Alcohol has long been embedded in military culture. Soldiers often used alcohol to:
Reduce anxiety
Cope with grief and loss
Escape traumatic memories
Bond with fellow service members
However, alcohol use increased the risk of dependency and mental health problems.
Sedatives and Tranquilizers
In some cases, sedatives were used to help soldiers sleep or manage anxiety symptoms. These medications could help in the short term but also carry risks of dependency and withdrawal.
Drug Use During the Vietnam War
The Vietnam War marked a turning point in the awareness of wartime substance use.
Many soldiers used substances such as:
Marijuana
Heroin
Opium
Amphetamines
Several factors contributed to higher drug use rates during this conflict:
Prolonged deployment
Psychological trauma
Isolation
Easy access to drugs
Some soldiers developed substance use disorders during deployment, though many reduced or stopped use after returning home.
This highlighted the strong link between environment, stress, and substance use.
The Connection Between Trauma and Substance Use
Combat exposure can significantly increase the risk of mental health conditions such as:
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
Depression
Anxiety disorders
Substances may be used to cope with symptoms like:
Flashbacks
Nightmares
Hypervigilance
Emotional numbness
Sleep problems
This is often referred to as "self-medication."
While substances may temporarily reduce distress, they can worsen mental health over time.
Long-Term Effects of Drug Use in Wartime
The effects of wartime substance use often extend long after soldiers return home.
Long-term impacts may include:
Addiction and Substance Use Disorders
Some veterans develop long-term dependency on substances used during service.
Mental Health Challenges
Substance use can worsen PTSD, depression, and anxiety.
Physical Health Effects
Long-term substance use can damage the liver, brain, heart, and nervous system.
Difficulty Reintegrating into Civilian Life
Addiction and mental health challenges can make it harder to return to normal routines, relationships, and work.
Modern Military Awareness and Prevention
Today, there is greater awareness of the risks associated with drug use in wartime. Modern military systems focus more on:
Mental health support
Counseling services
Substance use prevention programs
Monitoring prescription medications
Early intervention and treatment
Mental health is now recognized as a critical part of military readiness and long-term well-being.
Why Veterans Face Higher Addiction Risks
Veterans may face increased risk of substance use disorders due to:
Trauma exposure
Chronic pain
Sleep disorders
Difficulty adjusting to civilian life
Emotional distress
Without proper support, substances can become a coping mechanism.
However, recovery is possible with proper treatment, support, and trauma-informed care.
Treatment and Healing After Wartime Substance Use
Effective treatment for veterans may include:
Trauma-Informed Therapy
Addresses both substance use and underlying trauma.
Behavioral Therapies
Helps individuals develop healthier coping strategies.
Support Groups
Provides aconnection with others who share similar experiences.
Integrated Mental Health Care
Treats both addiction and mental health conditions.
Healing requires addressing both the physical and psychological impact of wartime experiences.
Reducing Stigma Around Wartime Substance Use
It’s important to understand that substance use among soldiers is often linked to survival, trauma, and extreme stress—not weakness.
Reducing stigma allows veterans to:
Seek help earlier
Access treatment
Recover without shame
Compassion and understanding are essential parts of recovery.
Final Thoughts
Drug use in wartime has been part of military history for decades, often driven by the need to enhance performance or cope with overwhelming trauma and stress. While substances may provide temporary relief or increased alertness, they can also lead to addiction and long-term mental health challenges.
Today, increased awareness, prevention programs, and trauma-informed treatment approaches are helping veterans recover and heal. With proper support, recovery is possible, and veterans can rebuild healthy, fulfilling lives.
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