October 7 Reminders May Trigger Cannabis and Tobacco Cravings, Study Finds Exposure to collective trauma in the news can produce an immediate rise in cravings among regular cannabis and tobacco users By Maayan Hoffman / The Media Line Ever since October 7, 2023, Israelis have faced a surge in mental health challenges. Alongside that rise […]
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The Media Line: October 7 Reminders May Trigger Cannabis and Tobacco Cravings, Study Finds
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October 7 Reminders May Trigger Cannabis and Tobacco Cravings, Study Finds
Exposure to collective trauma in the news can produce an immediate rise in cravings among regular cannabis and tobacco users
By Maayan Hoffman / The Media Line
Ever since October 7, 2023, Israelis have faced a surge in mental health challenges. Alongside that rise has come an increase in addiction, according to multiple studies that have emerged in recent months.
According to a team of researchers from the Hebrew University of Jerusalem and the Israel Center for Addiction and Mental Health, this is not only an Israeli problem. As people worldwide struggle with war, polarization, terrorism, displacement, and collective uncertainty, existential fears can rise and shape addictive behavior. Their latest study shows how reminders of collective traumatic events in the news media might influence addiction, even after the event itself has subsided.