The Unseen Toll of War: Israel’s Hidden Epidemic

As the world grapples with the devastating consequences of conflict in the Middle East, a quieter crisis is unfolding in Israel. Behind headlines about military campaigns and diplomatic tensions lies a growing epidemic of substance abuse that threatens to engulf an entire generation.

The latest data from Israel’s Center on Addiction and Mental Health paints a stark picture: nearly one in four Israelis are now struggling with problematic substance use, a figure that has risen sharply since October 7. Sedatives have seen a 168% increase, while opioid and stimulant use have almost doubled. The most disturbing trend is not just the rise in numbers but the way it’s affecting different demographics.

For Israel’s Gen-Z, ketamine and 3-MMC (methylmethcathinone) have become substances of choice, with their consumption rising dramatically since October 7. This phenomenon has been linked to the “we will dance again” movement, which swept through Israeli rave culture in response to the trauma inflicted by war.

The driving force behind this trend is complex and multifaceted. Yoav, a 26-year-old former IDF serviceman, offers some insight: “After everything, rave culture in Israel really popped off. The ‘we will dance again’ movement is huge… for many of us, knowing that it could all be over at any time has made us want to feel more alive, have more fun, and just party more – which has led to more people doing more drugs.”

This comment speaks to the ways in which war can warp our collective psyche. When faced with the reality of death and destruction, many Israelis turn to substance abuse for comfort.

However, this epidemic is not limited to Gen-Z; it’s also about the long-term effects of trauma on mental health. The ICA’s research highlights a disturbing correlation between problematic substance use and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). In people experiencing symptoms of PTSD, the rate of problematic substance use is 54.2%, more than twice the rate seen in the general population.

The statistics are stark: nearly 15.5% of respondents in the ICA’s wider survey screened positive for potential PTSD, compared to just 12% in 2022. This trend is being driven by the ongoing conflict in Gaza and Lebanon, where soldiers are returning with wounds both physical and emotional.

As Israel enters its fourth year of war on Gaza, it’s clear that the toll is not just being felt on the battlefield but also in the lives of those left behind. The pressure on health and social services is growing as a generation struggles to cope with the trauma inflicted by conflict.

This crisis highlights the urgent need for mental health support and substance abuse treatment programs that cater specifically to the needs of veterans and civilians alike. It underscores the long-term consequences of war, not just on those directly involved in combat but on entire communities.

The people deployed to Gaza or Lebanon are often prescribed cannabis for their PTSD, as Yoav noted: “Being a conscious person, being able to understand the value of human life, and then coming back – it’s really common for soldiers to be prescribed cannabis for their PTSD.” The writing is on the wall: Israel faces a hidden epidemic that threatens to engulf an entire generation. As we watch this crisis unfold, we must remember that war has consequences far beyond the battlefield – consequences that demand our attention and action.