The aftermath of the recent October 7 attacks in Israel has left a lasting impact on the mental health of many residents, particularly young Israelis like Yoni. At just 19 years old, Yoni is facing a battle with drug addiction, forcing him to put his plans to join the military on hold in order to seek help at a rehabilitation facility.
According to health professionals in Israel, Yoni’s situation is not unique, with a noticeable increase in drug and alcohol abuse among individuals who have been indirectly exposed to the trauma of the attacks. Psychiatrist Shaul Lev-Ran and his team at the Israel Center on Addiction conducted a study and found that there has been a 25 percent rise in the consumption of addictive substances following the October 7 events.
The ongoing conflict with Hamas has created a climate of fear and uncertainty in Israel, leading to a surge in addictive behaviors as a means of coping with the stress and anxiety that many individuals are experiencing. The impact of war on mental health is a serious issue that requires urgent attention and resources to support those who are struggling to cope with the trauma of living in a conflict zone.
As the effects of the October 7 attacks continue to ripple through Israeli society, it is crucial for the government and healthcare providers to prioritize mental health services and addiction treatment in order to address the growing crisis of addiction among those who have been exposed to the violence and turmoil of war.
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Video “Addictions on the rise among Israelis exposed to October 7 attacks • FRANCE 24 English” was uploaded on 08/11/2024 to Youtube Channel FRANCE 24 English