They work, raise kids - and use drugs until ‘their heart explodes’
A report highlights a growing trend of high-functioning professionals in Israel using recreational drugs to cope with stress and maintain performance. Data suggests this phenomenon has accelerated following the events of October 7, 2023.
Why it matters
It sheds light on the hidden impact of national trauma and high-pressure work environments on substance use patterns among successful, non-traditional demographics.
On a typical weekend, Amir, a pseudonym, comes home after a week of work, meets up with friends and starts snorting drugs. Sometimes hours pass before they even leave the house. From there, they head to a party that lasts until morning, and when the party ends, the night does not necessarily end with it. “Even when the party is over, a lot of the time it’s still not enough,” he said. “We keep going to an after-party at a club or someone’s house, and we keep taking drugs.” A few hours or a day later, he returns to his other life. Amir, 38, from Givatayim, a city near Tel Aviv, works as an analyst. He is successful at his job, is well regarded and feels his career is continuing to advance.
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