摘要：We compared reports of increased substance use in Manhattan 1 and 6 months after the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks. Data from 2 random-digit-dial surveys conducted 1 and 6 months after September 11 showed that 30.8% and 27.3% of respondents, respectively, reported increased use of cigarettes, alcohol, or marijuana. These sustained increases in substance use following the September 11 terrorist attacks suggest potential long-term health consequences as a result of disasters. The September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks resulted in enormous loss of life, property, and employment in New York City. The psychological impact on the residents of New York City was considerable. In a study of adult Manhattan residents that we conducted 1 to 2 months after September 11, 57.8% of respondents reported at least 1 posttraumatic stress symptom, and 7.5% had symptoms consistent with probable posttraumatic stress disorder. 1 Respondents also reported an increase in cigarette, alcohol, and marijuana use. 2 Furthermore, respondents who reported psychological symptoms were more likely to report an increase in substance use. 2 Because of our subsequent observation 6 months after September 11, when the prevalence of posttraumatic stress disorder in New York City had declined substantially to 1.5%, 3 we anticipated a concomitant decline in substance use.
