Opinion | Drug Abuse On The Frontlines

Dr G Shreekumar Menon

Extended periods of intense stress, mixed with long stretches of uncertainty and fear of imminent death, create environments where substance use can become a source of solace.

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History of wars is, in many ways, the history of drugs. There exists a multi-faceted relationship between drugs and wars. Drug use on the battlefield has long been a feature of warfare. Stimulants to keep troops awake, alert and energetic have been the secret of every prolonged battle. Drugs for enhancing military performance are the untold story of every battlefront.

The world is presently witnessing prolonged conflicts in West Asia. Israel is currently involved in active military conflicts and regional confrontations with Palestine (primarily Hamas in the Gaza Strip and factions in the West Bank), Iran, and various Iran-backed groups across the region, including Hezbollah in Lebanon and Houthi forces in Yemen.

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The Russia-Ukraine conflict has been ongoing for over 12 years in total, beginning with the annexation of Crimea in February 2014, followed by an escalation into a full-scale conflict that has lasted over four years since February 24, 2022, and is still raging.

The direct military conflict between the United States and Iran has been ongoing for over six months, beginning with joint US and Israeli strikes on February 28, 2026. Despite initial forecasts of a decisive sweep over Iran, Americans are facing the prospect of the war dragging on interminably.

Prolonged combat exposes soldiers and societies to extreme horrors. Historically, alcohol and opiates were issued or consumed to steady nerves before battle or to numb physical and emotional shock. Extended periods of intense stress, mixed with long stretches of uncertainty and fear of imminent death, create environments where substance use can become a source of solace.

Militaries have long supplied stimulants to keep troops awake and alert during gruelling operations. German forces widely distributed the methamphetamine pill Pervitin during World War II to enable continuous fighting during the Blitzkrieg. Allied forces used amphetamines like Benzedrine for similar tactical advantages.

Many military operations are performed under highly risky conditions that are far from easy to........

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