Addiction

The Israel Public Health Association’s bet on what comes next

Chief executive, Yasmin Nahum, is trying to meet a surge in wartime trauma, youth substance use, and prescription-opioid dependence with programs the state has not yet absorbed.

|ByALAN ROSENBAUM
Nahum with Adv. Michal Herzog, First Lady of the State of Israel.
Cosmetic surgery tools are seen surrounding a face mask (illustrative)

One in five Israeli women who get cosmetic procedures show signs of addiction, study finds

Hebrew University researchers found low body esteem and problematic social media use were the strongest risk factors. "We wanted to understand the psychological factors," they told the Post.

|ByJUDY SIEGEL-ITZKOVICH
CBT can break down the connection between thought and the desire to smoke by using mindfulness.

Can Israel finally stub out smoking? Experts turn to AI, brain stimulation, and new drugs

While smoking is declining in many countries around the world, it is growing in Israel, rising in the last few years from one in five adults to one in four.

|ByJUDY SIEGEL-ITZKOVICH
Ritalin

Addicted to Ritalin: When ADHD medication becomes a solution for every problem

ADHD medication consumption in Israel has nearly doubled within five years, but alongside the medical benefits, the danger of emotional use and dependency development also rises.

|ByDR. IGOR GORZELTSAN

Israeli experts create a roadmap for medicinal cannabis use

The use of medical cannabis is rising speedily around the world, but many healthcare providers and medical professionals still feel unprepared to counsel patients or recommend treatment

OCTOBER 19, 2025ByJUDY SIEGEL-ITZKOVICH
WORKERS TAKE care of cannabis plants at a farm in central Israel, late last year.

A Nation in Pain

A silent crisis of trauma and addiction

OCTOBER 5, 2025BySHAULI LEV-RAN
Stop drug addiction concept.

A nation in pain: A silent crisis of trauma and addiction - opinion

While trauma has begun to claim its place in the public conversation, addiction remains shrouded in silence, shame, and stigma.

SEPTEMBER 30, 2025BySHAULI LEV-RAN
Illustrative image of drug abuse

Israeli study reveals gambling addiction in the wake of war

A new study shows that the collective psychological trauma of October 7 and the subsequent war has left Israeli Jewish adults reeling.

SEPTEMBER 29, 2025ByESTHER DAVIS, LEO FEIERBERG BETTER

Oct. 7 aftermath: Nat'l study shows rise in substance abuse, addictions, mental health disorders

The findings provide an unprecedented longitudinal look at the psychological effects of war and trauma across the general population.

AUGUST 10, 2025ByJUDY SIEGEL-ITZKOVICH
Illustrative.

‘The war will end, but the habit remains’: Israel’s growing crisis of trauma and addiction

In the Oct. 7 aftermath, a silent epidemic emerges. The ICA is fighting for awareness and those at risk

AUGUST 6, 2025ByRONNIE ROSENMAN
ICA reports a silent epidemic emerging

Professor Shauli Lev-Ran of ICA speaks at 'Post' Trauma Conference

“We’re a country in huge distress. We need an integrative addiction and trauma-informed care”

JULY 31, 2025ByJERUSALEM POST STAFF
Professor Shauli Lev-Ran, co-founder and academic director of ICA, the Israel Center on Addiction and Mental Health

Brad Pitt opens up about journey back to sobriety after Angelina Jolie split

Appearing on Armchair Expert with Dax Shepard, Pitt opened up about his sobriety and getting to know Shepard in AA meetings. 

JUNE 28, 2025ByDANIELLE GREYMAN-KENNARD
Cast member Brad Pitt attends the "F1: The Movie" European premiere in London, Britain, June 23, 2025.

The Growing Popularity of Online Detox

APRIL 10, 2025ByTAMI DEMSKY

The virtual world’s impact: Are we at risk of losing the human connection?

Although the Internet is not inherently harmful, the key lies in how it is used and the impact it has on one’s life.  

FEBRUARY 23, 2025ByDR. MIKE GROPPER
An illustrative image of smartphones.