PTSD

Getting off: The Implications of Substance Abuse and Mental Health Issues Among Former ISIS Fighters for Counterterrorism and Deradicalization

SWJED — Tue, 25 Jun 2019 15:33:27 +0000

Getting off: The Implications of Substance Abuse and Mental Health Issues Among Former ISIS Fighters for Counterterrorism and Deradicalization SWJED Tue, 06/25/2019 - 11:33am

One essential aspect affecting individual risk is mental health, such as for example the role of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, that has been found to significantly increase the threat posed by returning foreign fighters. Furthermore, as it happened throughout history when fighting forces were facing superior opponents and ultimate defeat on the battlefield during “final stands”, the use of drugs to enhance fanaticism, physical strength and to prevent fatigue, hunger, thirst and exhaustion was also reportedly present among IS’s fighters. The substance of choice for IS, Captagon or fenethylline, was so famous among the group’s fighters, that it was used even during terror attacks, for example in the November 2015 Paris attacks.

A Tale of Two Warriors: Finding Belongingness after Battle

Peter J. Munson — Tue, 04 Jun 2013 07:30:00 +0000

A Tale of Two Warriors: Finding Belongingness after Battle Peter J. Munson Tue, 06/04/2013 - 3:30am

Together the tribe bears the burdens of war, while the American Soldier reflects in solitude, wondering who he truly is and how he can ever belong.

An Enduring Argument Against Counterinsurgency

Peter J. Munson — Thu, 27 Sep 2012 09:30:00 +0000

An Enduring Argument Against Counterinsurgency Peter J. Munson Thu, 09/27/2012 - 5:30am

The prevalence of PTSD and mental disorders in weak and failed states is exacerbated by insurgencies, defying efforts break the cycle.