Exposure to collective traumatic events is associated with increased substance use. We tested if experimentally priming thoughts of collective trauma increases substance craving, while examining the potential anxiety-buffering roles of self-affirmation, connection to a national/cultural group, and attachment security (mainly attachment anxiety). In two pre-registered experiments, priming collective traumatic events (the October-7th terror attack in Israel) increased cannabis craving for moderate-high risk problematic cannabis users (Study 1), and tobacco craving among daily smokers (Study 2). Attachment anxiety predicted heightened craving in both studies but did not moderate the priming effects. Self-affirmation and group identification had no impact. October-7 prime increased death thought accessibility in Study 1 but did not mediate the prime effect on craving. Findings highlight the causal effects of reminders of collective trauma on craving for cannabis and tobacco. We discuss the studies’ limitations and possible implications for understanding substance use as a defense against existential threats.

Keywords: Addiction, Attachment, Cannabis, Craving, Tobacco