Topic:
Country: Israel
Delegate Name: Sofija Dainelis
City High School
Substance abuse is a sickening issue that plagues the world. The increase in the use of drugs especially synthetic drugs has not only increased substance-caused death, but also cases of disease transmitted through the sharing of DNA, such as AIDS, and HIV. In Isreal 1 in 4 have increased their substance use. In 2021 there were 80,000 recorded deaths due to overdose on narcotics, however, due to religious practice, the country has one of the lowest autopsy rates among high-income countries, making it difficult to estimate how many actually die of these causes. Overall concern for substance use in Israel is increasing, especially since the war has started, and some professionals have expressed concern for an epidemic.
According to an article by Isreal Times, Isreal is on the verge of an opioid epidemic. The article, published April 30, 2023 states that Israel was leading the world in opioid consumption per capita. Since the war in Israel began, substance abuse has become an even larger issue. An account from Nir Beizer says “It’s just a way to escape from reality, this whole thing.”- the times of Isreal. A study occurring in Antanya, a central city in Israel found that since the events of October 7, 2023, addictive substance use rates have risen by around 25%. In 1988 the Isreal Anti-drug Authority (IADA) was created, they help monitor, as well as create policies that help to protect the country from substance abuse. They are responsible for fighting substance abuse in Israel, as well as collecting data on growing issues.
Israel follows a harm reduction policy enforced and implemented by the IADA. this plan has adopted a number of resources, however it mainly focuses on the use of injectable drugs. Some of the programs offered include methadone maintenance treatment, buprenorphine maintenance treatment, and needle and syringe exchange programs. They also have more specialized clinics for those in the frequent drug scene, including a health clinic, emergency housing for female sex workers, and first-step programs. Harm reduction programs offer support and maintenance for opioid use, and aim to de-stigmatize, and prevent discrimination against past abusers, as well as focussing on problemed populations, such as adolescents. However, substance use is not decriminalized and is punishable by up to 3 years in prison in the case of the use of cannabis.
In cases of countries with lower issues concerning substance abuse, there are high focuses on the absence of extreme response, harm reduction, and controlled access to medicine. While Israel is doing somewhat well with Harm reduction measures, it could be made more accessible. Although it is important to work with problemed groups, they should widen the scope of treatment, focusing more on treating the common population, than just those who are statistically more at risk. They also move in the direction of decriminalization, although that is an extreme measure, people will be more likely to seek help without fear of consequence. As for access to medicine, opioids are generally offered in government-controlled medical centers, offering accessible pain relief to those who need it. Although this could make it easier for people to become addicted, it does keep people from searching for other sources of pain relievers.
https://www.timesofisrael.com/now-worlds-no-1-opioid-consumer-per-capita-israel-faces-addiction-epidemic/ -substance abuse
https://www.timesofisrael.com/israel-sees-sharp-rise-in-addiction-amid-ongoing-gaza-war/ – substance abuse
https://www.euda.europa.eu/countries/israel_en – substance
https://www.voanews.com/a/addictions-on-the-rise-in-wartime-israel/7737994.html
https://www.taubcenter.org.il/en/research/opioid-epidemic/
https://ijhpr.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s13584-019-0343-3#:~:text=The%20leading%20formal%20drug%20policy,Treatment%20and%20Rehabilitation%2C%20and%20Prevention.
https://nida.nih.gov/international/abstracts/israel-national-cannabis-policy#:~:text=In%20accordance%20with%20the%20Israeli,between%20criminal%20and%20administrative%20responses.
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9876650/
