As dawn broke on October 7, 2023, a group of festival-goers at the Nova music festival near Gaza’s border found themselves exposed to a sudden and violent assault by Hamas gunmen, leading to chaotic scenes with hundreds under the influence of illicit drugs like MDMA (ecstasy) or LSD. Recent neuroscientific findings from a study by Haifa University are beginning to shed light on the psychological effects of these substances in the aftermath of the attack.
Survivors from the festival, where 360 lives were lost amid the violence and chaos, included a significant number who were on mind-altering substances during the incident. Professor Roy Salomon, involved in the research, noted that two-thirds of the participants had taken recreational drugs prior to the attack, with MDMA showing particularly promising signs of aiding mental resilience. Preliminary insights indicate that those who had taken MDMA reported smoother emotional processing and better overall mental health in the months following the event.
The study highlighted that MDMA might promote the release of hormones such as oxytocin, which can foster social connections and mitigate feelings of fear among those trying to escape the horror of the attack. Survivors’ narratives, like that of Michal Ohana, illustrate a belief that the drug provided a psychological buffer, helping them evade the paralyzing effects of trauma.
However, the findings come with caveats—since they are limited to the experiences of survivors, it’s difficult to definitively ascertain whether the presence of the drug had a universal effect. Many survivors suggested that their cognitive states helped them navigate perilous situations, although ethical debates continue regarding the use of such substances for therapeutic purposes, especially amid ongoing conflict.
The ongoing revision of mental health practices and the introduction of MDMA-assisted psychotherapy in various parts of the world, including Israel, reflects an evolving understanding of trauma. As Dr. Anna Harwood-Gross emphasizes, the distinctions in therapeutic approaches have been significant, altering traditional session structures to address clients’ needs effectively under the influence of MDMA.
The generational trauma linked to historical violence and recent attacks has prompted a shift in societal perception of mental health in Israel. As those affected seek treatment, the pressing need for comprehensive mental health resources becomes evident—particularly in the face of ongoing conflict in Gaza.
As Michal Ohana poignantly stated, the journey toward healing remains complex and ongoing, stressing that societal expectations afterward must account for the profound and persistent impacts of trauma.
Survivors from the festival, where 360 lives were lost amid the violence and chaos, included a significant number who were on mind-altering substances during the incident. Professor Roy Salomon, involved in the research, noted that two-thirds of the participants had taken recreational drugs prior to the attack, with MDMA showing particularly promising signs of aiding mental resilience. Preliminary insights indicate that those who had taken MDMA reported smoother emotional processing and better overall mental health in the months following the event.
The study highlighted that MDMA might promote the release of hormones such as oxytocin, which can foster social connections and mitigate feelings of fear among those trying to escape the horror of the attack. Survivors’ narratives, like that of Michal Ohana, illustrate a belief that the drug provided a psychological buffer, helping them evade the paralyzing effects of trauma.
However, the findings come with caveats—since they are limited to the experiences of survivors, it’s difficult to definitively ascertain whether the presence of the drug had a universal effect. Many survivors suggested that their cognitive states helped them navigate perilous situations, although ethical debates continue regarding the use of such substances for therapeutic purposes, especially amid ongoing conflict.
The ongoing revision of mental health practices and the introduction of MDMA-assisted psychotherapy in various parts of the world, including Israel, reflects an evolving understanding of trauma. As Dr. Anna Harwood-Gross emphasizes, the distinctions in therapeutic approaches have been significant, altering traditional session structures to address clients’ needs effectively under the influence of MDMA.
The generational trauma linked to historical violence and recent attacks has prompted a shift in societal perception of mental health in Israel. As those affected seek treatment, the pressing need for comprehensive mental health resources becomes evident—particularly in the face of ongoing conflict in Gaza.
As Michal Ohana poignantly stated, the journey toward healing remains complex and ongoing, stressing that societal expectations afterward must account for the profound and persistent impacts of trauma.
