Anxiety symptoms and need for help among Israeli methadone patients in a war zone

This study examined the levels of Israeli methadone patients' distress and need for help from methadone staff following exposure to war events. At the end of the war in the Gaza strip, 102 patients (67.7% males) were interviewed on the extent of their exposure to war events, anxiety, and perceived need for help. Illicit drug use postwar was assessed by urine test results. Findings revealed that patients' perceived need for help was associated with their acute anxiety level and later illicit drug use. Therefore, self-reported need for help may serve as a screening tool for vulnerable populations following exposure to war or other disasters.