Rising Rates of PTSD and Addiction in Israel: The Urgent Need for a National Program

Prof. Shaoli Lev Ran, the founder of the Israeli Center for Addictions, and CEO Inbal Dor Karbel discussed the significant impact of addictions on society. According to Prof. Lev Ran, by the end of 2023, one in three women and one in five men in Israel were experiencing post-traumatic symptoms due to various distressing factors such as sleep disturbances, anxiety, and avoidances. These symptoms often lead individuals to turn to addictive substances for relief, putting them at increased risk.

CEO Inbal Dor Karbel highlighted the need for a national program to address the increasing numbers of individuals at risk of addiction. The organization emphasized the importance of reducing stigma surrounding addiction and raising awareness among the public and professionals in the mental health field.

Prof. Lev Ran emphasized the importance of early detection and differentiation between use, increased risk use, and addiction when addressing mental health issues associated with trauma and addiction. The economic cost of addictions in Israel was estimated to be at least NIS 7 billion per year, with potential savings of up to 4.5 shekels for every shekel invested in prevention and treatment.

The Israeli Center for Addictions is preparing to open a new treatment center to provide innovative treatment methods and training for professionals across various sectors. Training programs are being tailored to address age-specific needs in addiction treatment, with a focus on early detection and intervention for individuals at risk.

Collaborations with health and education authorities are ongoing to promote awareness and prevention programs for addiction in schools and the community. Efforts are also being made to integrate addiction treatment into mainstream healthcare services to correct previous oversights in mental health reform.

Addiction disorders are seen as a significant societal issue that requires a holistic approach to prevent further escalation of the problem.