Rising Substance Abuse in Israel Amid Ongoing Conflict: A Widespread Crisis

As Israel grapples with the ongoing war sparked by Hamas’s October 7 attack, a new crisis has emerged within its borders.

Health professionals have reported a significant surge in drug and alcohol abuse, as well as other addictive behaviors, among the Israeli population. This troubling trend underscores the deep psychological impact of the conflict on everyday citizens, particularly the youth.

Yoni’s Struggle

Yoni, a 19-year-old from Beersheba, is one of many young Israelis whose lives have been drastically altered by the war. Instead of preparing for his mandatory military service, Yoni found himself entering rehab for worsening drug abuse.

“It’s just a way to escape from reality, this whole thing,” he shared, reflecting on the loss of his friend, Nir Beizer, in the Hamas attack that ignited the current Gaza conflict.

Yoni’s story is far from unique. According to psychiatrist Shaul Lev-Ran, founder of the Israel Center on Addiction, the rise in substance abuse is a natural reaction to the intense emotional stress and trauma experienced by many Israelis.

“We’ve seen a spectacular rise in the consumption of various addictive sedative substances,” Lev-Ran stated, highlighting the widespread nature of this issue.

A Surge in Addiction

A study conducted by Lev-Ran’s team in the central city of Netanya found a 25 percent increase in the consumption of addictive substances following the October 7 events.

This study, which surveyed a representative sample of 1,000 Israelis in November and December, revealed that one in four Israelis have increased their use of addictive substances since the attack.

In contrast, data from 2022 indicated that one in seven Israelis struggled with drug addiction.

The study identified a rise in the use of prescription drugs, illegal drugs, alcohol, and addictive behaviors such as gambling.

The closer individuals were to the traumatic events of October 7, the higher their risk of developing these behaviors.

Lev-Ran emphasized that the shock of the attack, which resulted in the deaths of 1,200 people and the kidnapping of 251 others, has left a profound impact on Israeli society.

The Psychological Toll

The Israel Center on Addiction’s study also found an increase in substance abuse among survivors of the October 7 attack and those displaced from communities near the Gaza border or the northern region near Lebanon.

“Some who had never consumed addictive substances started using cannabis, some used substances but increased their use, and some were already treated for addiction and relapsed,” Lev-Ran explained.

The use of sleeping pills and painkillers has skyrocketed, with increases of 180 percent and 70 percent, respectively. Lev-Ran recounted the case of a patient who demanded “something” to help him cope and sleep while his son was fighting in Gaza.

This scenario is becoming increasingly common as families struggle with the anxiety and uncertainty brought on by the conflict.

Escaping Reality

For many Israelis, substance abuse has become a coping mechanism. Matan, a soldier deployed to the Palestinian territory, admitted that using drugs helps him “forget” the harsh realities of war.

This sentiment is echoed by many others, including Yoni, who initially took recreational drugs with friends to stave off boredom and fear. However, as the war dragged on, Yoni’s drug use became more solitary and frequent, eventually leading him to seek rehab.

Upon completing his rehabilitation, Yoni aspires to fulfill his military service. “I want to prove to myself, prove to the family, that I am indeed capable of more, and (can) contribute to the community like everyone else,” he said, expressing a desire to overcome his addiction and regain a sense of normalcy.

A Nationwide Epidemic

Lev-Ran warns that Israel is on the brink of an addiction epidemic. “We are at the outset of an epidemic in which large swaths of the population will develop an addiction to substances,” he stated.

The increase in substance abuse is not limited to illegal drugs; the consumption of prescription medications has also surged, exacerbating the problem.

The Palestinian Authority, when contacted by AFP, reported no equivalent data on addiction and mental health for the Palestinian territories. This lack of information highlights the broader regional challenges in addressing mental health issues amid ongoing conflict.

Addressing the Crisis

As Israel continues to navigate the complexities of the Gaza war, addressing the rising tide of substance abuse has become a critical priority.

Health professionals are advocating for increased mental health support and addiction treatment services to help those affected by the conflict. The Israel Center on Addiction is working to raise awareness about the issue and provide resources for those in need.

Lev-Ran and his team emphasize the importance of understanding the root causes of addiction and providing comprehensive care to those affected.

This includes not only treating the addiction itself but also addressing the underlying trauma and emotional distress that contribute to substance abuse.

Moving Forward

The war in Gaza has brought significant suffering and disruption to many Israeli lives. For individuals like Yoni, the path to recovery is fraught with challenges, but also hope.

By seeking help and striving to overcome their addictions, they are taking the first steps towards healing and rebuilding their lives.

As Israel confronts the dual crises of conflict and addiction, the resilience and determination of its people remain a beacon of hope.

Through increased support and understanding, the nation can begin to address the widespread impact of substance abuse and work towards a healthier, more stable future for all its citizens.