Use of psychoactive substances by foreign armed forces in combat situations

Abstract

Systematization of the experience of using psychoactive compounds by foreign armed forces in combat situations is important and relevant since effective solutions to the medical consequences of the issue is possible to address only through the understanding the historical aspects and prerequisites for their use. We analyzed the historical experience of the use of psychoactive compounds in combat situations by foreign armed forces. Articles published in scientific iterature was searched using the PubMed database and the Scientific Electronic Library at www.eLIBRARY.ru. The analysis of the identified literature has shown that psychoactive substances have been frequently used by the armies of foreign countries in wars and armed conflicts as combat psychostimulants and toxic chemicals, as well as therapeutic and narcotic drugs. The latter, regardless of the purpose of their use, have a substantial addictive potential, often contributed to increases in drug addiction among both the military and the civilians. The widespread use of psychoactive substances in the conditions of modern “color revolutions” and hybrid wars threatens the goal of preserving mental health of the present and future generations.