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Abstract
This study explores the relationships between posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and the use and abuse of psychoactive substances among Israeli veterans of different campaigns who were diagnosed with severe and chronic PTSD (N = 201). Main findings include: (a) Prevalence of substance use and abuse among these veterans was significantly higher than in the general Israeli adult male population; (b) Substance use and misuse among the respondents was related to the intensity of their posttraumatic symptoms, levels of anxiety and depression, and low levels of resilience. Significant relationships were found among substance use, PTSD, and participation in combat casualty evacuation; and (c) Misuse of medications was the most common form of substance abuse and was significantly related to the intensity of PTSD symptoms. The role of social workers working with PTSD patients is discussed.