The Reichman University, in collaboration with the Israeli Center for Addiction, has revealed the serious consequences of the recent war in Israel on the mental state and addictive substance consumption among approximately 2,724 children and adolescents in the country.
The study, which examined symptoms of anxiety, depression, and somatization among Israeli children and adolescents aged 9 to 17, was conducted using a unique questionnaire developed by Professor Anat Shoshani and Professor Michelle Sloan from the Baruch Ivcher School of Psychology.
48% of the participants were exposed to traumatic events such as encountering physically injured individuals, having to evacuate their homes, or experiencing property damage due to the war. Around 30% even knew someone who was injured or killed, and 83% were exposed to harsh war-related images in the media and on social networks.
Higher levels of tobacco, alcohol, and cannabis consumption were reported among the youth. "We are seeing an increase in addictions," said Professor Shoshani. "If we ended the previous school year with 18% of young people reporting regular alcohol consumption, we are currently at 28%."
"The war has left Israel's youth without structure, many of them also without permanent residence in light of evacuations from the north and south, which have led to a very alarming increase in the percentage of young people showing symptoms of anxiety, depression, and somatization. More than half of the youth have been exposed to the serious effects of the war, either through media and social networks or through personal relationships with those affected by the war. The anxiety and depression reported among youth, as shown in the report, are the highest observed in Israel in the past decade," said Inbal Dor-Karbal, CEO of the Israeli Center for Addiction."
Caroline Haïat
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