War And Drugs: Ukraine And Russian Soldiers Use MDMA, Amphetamines, Alcohol And Cannabis As Healing And Combat Tools
As the war between Ukraine and Russia grinds on, soldiers on both sides are increasingly turning to drugs to cope with the profound stress and trauma during and after frontline combat. Reports indicate that Ukrainian and Russian soldiers are using substances like alcohol, MDMA, amphetamines and cannabis, underscoring a troubling trend with historical precedents and the complex role of drugs in combat zones.
Substance Use Among Ukrainian Defenders
Ukrainian soldiers defending their country from Russia have resorted to drugs and alcohol to manage the severe psychological toll of the conflict. According to The Daily Beast, soldiers on the front lines are using MDMA and amphetamines to endure relentless stress and many continue their substance use after returning home from combat.
Alcohol, although banned in conflict zones like Donbas, still makes its way to the front lines through smugglers and off-rotation soldiers. Conversely, many soldiers purchase banned drugs through online shops allegedly run by the Ukrainian mafia. Valerii, an Ukrainian soldier consulted by The Daily Beast, recounted using …