What is a common behavior reaction associated with severe short-term stress reactions in patients recovering from injuries sustained in a terrorist incident?

Severe short-term stress reactions in patients recovering from injuries sustained in a terrorist incident often lead to an increase in substance abuse as individuals may seek to self-medicate to cope with the intense emotional and psychological distress they are experiencing. This behavior can stem from the overwhelming anxiety, fear, or trauma associated with the incident, causing some people to turn to alcohol or drugs as a means to alleviate their symptoms temporarily.

The context of a terrorist incident can also compound this reaction, as individuals may feel a loss of control or heightened vulnerability. As they process their experiences and the surrounding chaos, the impulse to use substances to escape or numb the pain can become a significant behavioral response.

While other options such as depression, anger management issues, and social isolation can also be reactions to trauma, they are often part of a broader spectrum of responses. Substance abuse, however, tends to be a prominent acute reaction due to its immediate allure as a coping mechanism following a traumatic event.