Alcohol and Drug Abuse during War
Since the outbreak of the “Swords of Iron” war, many people have been dealing with stress, trauma, and emotional distress at levels not previously experienced. In search of relief, some turn to alcohol or other substances, or engage more heavily in harmful behaviors. It may begin as an attempt to disconnect or fall asleep, but the behavior can quickly develop into physical dependence and even risk of addiction.
In the 2024 epidemiological survey, commissioned by the Addiction Treatment Department of the Ministry of Health, researchers examined addiction risk in the adult population in Israel. The study found differences in patterns of psychoactive substance use and engagement in gaming or sexual behavior since the start of the “Swords of Iron” war between respondents at risk of addiction and those not at risk. Respondents at risk were more likely to change their behavior during the war, with many increasing their substance use or engagement in addictive behaviors.
According to data from the 2024 study by the Israeli Center on Addiction, the most significant change was observed among respondents at risk for gaming addiction: 56.3% reported changes in their gaming behavior since the outbreak of the war, and 42.0% increased their gaming.
About a quarter of the population is drinking more alcohol due to the war
Changes in alcohol consumption patterns were also observed since the outbreak of the war, with differences between those at risk of alcohol addiction and those not at risk. Among respondents at risk of alcohol addiction, 42.5% changed their drinking patterns since the start of the war: 24.2% increased consumption and 18.3% decreased it. Among respondents not at risk, only 18.6% changed their drinking patterns, and in most cases they reduced consumption. Similar findings were reported regarding changes in drug use and sexual behavior.
The findings highlight differences between individuals at risk of addiction and those not at risk. These trends were also observed among respondents from the Arab population regarding changes in alcohol consumption and drug use. However, among Arab respondents at risk of gaming or sex addiction, more people increased their addictive behavior than decreased it.
Substance use as a coping mechanism for psychological distress
Security-related events that affect daily life create both personal trauma (such as loss, fear for loved ones, or injury) and collective trauma. The ongoing sense of insecurity, combined with constant exposure to news and social media, increases the need to escape or numb emotions. Many people experience a loss of control and certainty, and substance use may become a temporary way to regain a sense of control or relief.
The use of alcohol, drugs, sedatives, or sleep medications, as well as excessive engagement in gaming or sexual behavior, can function as mechanisms of avoidance and escape from distressing reality. In situations of extreme stress, addictive behaviors may serve as an unconscious way to avoid processing difficult emotions. These behaviors may provide immediate relief, but it is often misleading and can worsen mental health in the long term.
Coping mechanisms
Various psychological symptoms are a normal response to coping with a difficult period recently. For most of us, mobilizing inner emotional strength and receiving support from our close environment are very helpful. Here are some possible coping strategies:
Guidance on prescription sedative medications
- Use only as directed: Sedative medications that require a prescription should only be used if a physician has provided a prescription and clear medical instructions.
- Do not share: Do not share your prescription medications with friends or family. They should be referred to their own physician to receive the appropriate treatment for their condition.
Harmful use of alcohol and cannabis
- Be aware of your limits: Everyone responds differently to different substances and levels of use. It is important to pay attention to your body and recognize when to stop, when use becomes a form of self-medication, and when it is replacing healthy coping with reality.
- Try to set limits on amount and timing: Use should be moderate and intentional. If you notice an increase in quantity or frequency, it is important to seek help.
- Important to note: Cannabis has not been proven as an effective treatment for trauma, although it may help reduce certain symptoms. At the same time, for some people, cannabis can have the opposite effect, increasing anxiety or worsening mental health symptoms.
Attention
Attention
Mixing medications with alcohol can cause respiratory depression and may put your health at risk. Combining medications with cannabis can negatively impact the function of the nervous system and the body.
Warning signs indicating risk of addiction
- New friends who replace the person’s close social circle.
- Drastic behavioral changes, for example a usually calm person becoming more irritable, argumentative, impatient, or alternatively completely indifferent.
- Significant changes in daily habits and reduced motivation to function.
- Physical symptoms: depending on the substance and amount used, may include drowsiness, loss of balance, red eyes, constricted pupils, and repeated falls.
Important to know: In cases of behavioral addictions, warning signs are often harder to identify. The addiction is usually more hidden and is sometimes only discovered once it has already become severe.
If you suspect that a close person has begun developing physical dependence or addiction, it is recommended to first speak with them openly and in a non-judgmental way, and try to understand what is leading them to use substances or engage in addictive behaviors. It is important to consult with professionals in order to receive guidance on how to respond and how to communicate with them.
It is also recommended to consult professionals through helplines, who can help you identify the appropriate service for treating the situation.
In cases of persistent difficulty
If the difficulty does not improve or continues to feel overwhelming, it is both possible and recommended to seek professional help and consult mental health professionals. Friends often want to help, but do not always have the right tools to do so. Today, the field of mental health is broad, and options include individual counseling, group therapy, psychotherapy, and medication treatment. Support can also be provided by phone or online, which may be more accessible for some people. Sources of support and treatment include:
- Resilience centers.
- In severe cases, it is also possible to contact crisis intervention centers.
- Health maintenance organizations (HMOs).
