New research from Hebrew University shows that collective trauma cravings are far more common than most people realise. Reminders of the October 7 attack can trigger an almost instant urge to smoke or use cannabis among regular users.

The study comes from the Israel Center for Addiction and Mental Health. It was published in the Journal of Health Psychology. Researchers found that trauma related news coverage can spark trauma triggered cravings within minutes. This happens long before any physical withdrawal symptoms would normally appear. The team included Dr Vera Skvirsky, Dr Uri Lifshin, Maayan Yacubovitz and Hila Avnit. They wanted to know whether substance cravings come purely from habit, or whether something deeper drives them.

What the Study Found

Researchers asked moderate to high risk cannabis users to read an article about the October 7 attack. The article included recognisable images from that day. A separate control group read an unrelated article about dental pain instead. Those who saw the trauma related material reported a sharp rise in cannabis cravings. The increase was significant compared with the control group.

A second experiment repeated the process with daily tobacco smokers. The pattern held firm once again. Nicotine cravings rose sharply after participants saw reminders of the attack. This reinforces the idea that collective trauma cravings affect more than one type of substance user.

Why Trauma Triggered Cravings Happen

The research draws on terror management theory. This is a long standing psychological framework. It suggests people instinctively look for ways to push aside thoughts of death and vulnerability. They do this when they face an existential threat. Lighting a cigarette or reaching for cannabis seems to work as a quick mental escape from those uncomfortable feelings.

Lifshin explained that the urge to smoke after a trauma reminder is not really about nicotine or habit. He described it instead as a fast acting defence mechanism. It helps the mind shut out unwanted thoughts of mortality almost as soon as they appear.

Cannabis and Tobacco Users Respond Alike

What stood out to researchers was how consistent the response was across two different substances. Whether someone reached for cannabis or a cigarette, the underlying trigger looked the same. This points to collective trauma cravings as a shared psychological pattern. It does not appear to be specific to one drug alone.

Anxiety Makes Cravings Worse

The study also examined attachment anxiety. This trait involves persistent worry about whether one is loved or supported by others. People who scored higher on this measure reported stronger overall cravings after trauma reminders.

Several protective factors made little difference to the immediate spike. These included a strong sense of national identity, high self esteem, and secure attachment. Researchers said this suggests trauma triggered cravings are an urgent, reflexive reaction. They do not appear to reflect a slower attempt to rebuild a sense of safety.

What This Means for Public Health

The war, displacement, and a steady stream of distressing news continue to shape daily life in Israel. These findings raise fresh questions about how media exposure shapes everyday behaviour. A single news article produced a measurable rise in collective trauma cravings within minutes. Repeated exposure over months or years may help explain why some people struggle to cut down. Many genuinely want to quit yet find themselves unable to.

The authors suggest this link could support better timed support efforts. This matters most around periods of heightened news coverage, such as memorial dates or renewed conflict. Cravings linked to collective trauma are likely to surge during these windows.

Source: jpost