As dawn broke on October 7, 2023, festivalgoers at the Nova music festival near Gaza’s border were enjoying their time, many of them under the influence of MDMA or LSD. The atmosphere soon turned catastrophic as Hamas gunmen attacked, resulting in 360 fatalities and numerous abductions. Neuroscientists from Haifa University are now studying the psychological effects of this mass trauma event on survivors, providing preliminary evidence that MDMA may have played a protective role in mitigating trauma responses.
The ongoing study is the first of its kind to analyze a mass trauma situation where many individuals were using mind-altering substances during the attack. Early results, currently under peer review, highlight a correlation between MDMA use and positive mental health states in survivors, both during the immediate aftermath and in the months that followed.
Prof. Roy Salomon, leading the research, stated, “We had individuals hiding underneath the bodies of friends for hours while under the influence of MDMA or LSD." He noted that those who remained unscathed and took MDMA seemed to be coping better mentally in the following months, showing improved sleep patterns and less distress compared to those who didn’t use any substances.
The researchers propose that the pro-social hormones triggered by MDMA, such as oxytocin, played a role in reducing fear and fostering a sense of togetherness among those fleeing the attack. Some survivors, like Michal Ohana, credit MDMA with saving their lives during the traumatic incident, expressing a belief that the drug allowed them to process the horror in a way that facilitated their survival.
Despite MDMA’s illegal status in many countries, including Israel and the UK, there’s a growing interest in its potential for therapeutic uses, especially for conditions like PTSD. Clinicians in multiple countries are exploring MDMA-assisted psychotherapy, with Australia being the first to approve it for treatment.
Following the events of October 7, Israeli therapists have been revisiting their approaches to therapy, with Dr. Anna Harwood-Gross highlighting the adaptability required in therapy sessions involving MDMA. She reported positive initial findings from these adjusted treatment models and the increased consideration of collective trauma in therapy contexts.
Moreover, the ramifications of the attacks extend beyond individual trauma, with experts noting a shift in Israeli societal attitudes towards mental health support following the devastating events. The onset of the conflict has revealed long-standing collective traumas linked to historical persecution, emphasizing the need for an evolved understanding and approach to therapy.
As the mental health crisis continues to grow, both in Israel and Gaza, the urgent necessity for effective therapeutic resources remains paramount. Survivors like Michal Ohana illustrate the ongoing struggles individuals face, expressing the dissonance between societal expectations for recovery and the deep, lingering effects of trauma.
