"Drugs made me a better mother and teacher": Experts warn of the new phenomenon

Three years after October 7, drugs like ketamine, cocaine, and stimulants have deeply penetrated the daily lives of functioning Israelis—workers, parents, and career people. Two users describe frequent weekend use alongside professional success that allows them to continue. Experts warn of devastating long-term consequences and note a 2.5-fold increase in the use of tranquilizers compared to pre-war levels.

Three years after the October 7 massacre, drugs such as ketamine, cocaine, MDMA, and stimulants have deeply penetrated the daily lives of functioning Israelis—workers, parents, and career people. The article presents two users: Amir, a 38-year-old analyst from Givatayim, who uses almost every weekend and identifies dependence; and Jackie, a high school teacher and mother of two, who is convinced that drugs have improved her life. Both are successful at work and maintain relationships, and their high functioning allows them to continue. Research by the Israeli Center for Addiction and Mental Health (ICA) tracked samples from 2022 to 2025 and found an increase in problematic use of tranquilizers (2.5-fold), opioids (nearly doubled), and stimulants. In February 2025, 26.8% of Israelis were found to be at increased risk. The Ministry of Health defines the trend as a rise in harmful use since the war, and experts point to trauma, insecurity, and a desire for mental escape as causes. Amir admits that fear of identification prevented him from seeking help.