"Poisoned": Fighters talk about cannabis use

The Integrative Addiction Treatment Program

Nafarashim Institute for Psychotherapy Research and Teaching at the School of Behavioral Sciences at Tel Aviv-Yafo Academic College

Happy to invite you to a clinical evening on the topic:

"Poisoned": Fighters talk about cannabis use

The prevalence of cannabis use in Israel is among the highest in the world. In recent years, public debate has been growing regarding the legal status of cannabis, in light of the evidence available regarding both the therapeutic potential of cannabis and the dangers of using the substance. Recent studies from Israel have shown that the prevalence of substance use among military veterans, especially veterans of combat units, is particularly high and may reach 50%. The population of discharged combatants is considered particularly vulnerable, due to the high level of exposure to traumatic events during military service and their long-term impact, which often does not receive adequate recognition and response in civilian life.

In the evening of discussion, we will try to understand to what extent the increased use of cannabis among combat unit veterans in Israel constitutes self-treatment of post-traumatic symptoms and the experience of moral harm related to military service, and to what extent it constitutes a symptom of emotional avoidance leading to detachment and addiction. From the stories of former fighters, in research and in the clinic, we will try to observe the tension that exists around the use of cannabis - between a drug and a medicine. In the first part of the evening, Dr. Daniel Feingold will review research evidence regarding the use and addiction to cannabis among combat unit veterans - the scope of the phenomenon, the factors underlying it, and its possible consequences. In the second part of the evening, Dr. Shira Sobol will present a narrative study that deals with the stories of former fighters suffering from cannabis addiction. At the end of the evening, there will be a discussion with audience participation.

Tonight's program:

20:00-20:05 - Gathering and opening remarks by Dr. Sharon Ziv Beyman and Ms. Racheli Siegel

20:05-20:50 - Dr. Daniel Feingold – "Between Medicine and Disease" : The Paradox of Cannabis Use by Veterans of Combat Units.

20:50-21:35 – Dr. Shira Sobol - "From Fantasy to Sobriety" : Cannabis use among former combatants, a clinical and narrative description.

21:35-21:45 - Discussion with audience participation.

About the lecturers:

Dr. Daniel Feingold – Specialist rehabilitation psychologist. Faculty member in the Department of Psychology, Ariel University and the Integrative Addiction Treatment Program, Mifarashim Institute for Psychotherapy Research and Teaching. Member of the Board of the Israeli Society for Addiction Medicine and Treatment, researching the psychosocial risk factors for cannabis dependence.

Dr. Shira Sobol - Faculty member and lecturer in the Department of Social Work at Bar Ilan University and the Integrative Treatment of Addictions Program, Mifrasim Institute for Psychotherapy Research and Teaching. Former director of the Addictions Department. Author of the books "Conquering Fear" and "Parents of Children Without Borders". Therapist and instructor at a private clinic in Givat Shmuel. Specialist in the treatment of anxiety and addictions.