Addiction Crisis Grips Haredi Community, Expert Warns

Rabbi Eitan Akstein, CEO and founder of the organization 'Retorno', has revealed a disturbing rise in addiction among young men in the Haredi (ultra-Orthodox) community, detailing issues ranging from alcohol and gambling to cannabis use and screen addiction. In a stark interview with 'Kikar HaShabbat', Rabbi Akstein stated that addictions are no longer a fringe issue but a deepening problem affecting many homes.

He distinguished addiction from mere "evil inclination," explaining that while the latter involves seeking pleasure, addiction is a coping mechanism to escape pain and negative feelings. This can manifest as substance abuse, such as the prevalent use of alcohol at weddings, where it has become a condition for attendance, or the use of cannabis, which Rabbi Akstein refutes as a "therapeutic substance," emphasizing its mind-altering effects.

Gambling addiction is also widespread, often masked by a perceived lack of religious prohibition, with individuals frequenting lottery booths. Beyond substances, behavioral addictions like compulsive eating, excessive screen time, and smartphone use are also rampant, exemplified by a man running a kosher news service who received requests to limit updates due to recipients constantly checking for news.

Rabbi Akstein highlighted a "hundreds of percent" increase in addiction cases compared to two to three decades ago, noting that 'Retorno' currently has 150 patients with two-month waiting lists. He attributed this surge not just to the availability of substances and technology, but to increased stress, depression, and the need to escape emotional distress exacerbated by recent events like wars and the pandemic.

The interview also criticized the lack of intervention from Haredi leadership, including yeshiva deans and supervisors, who are accused of turning a blind eye to the problem. Rabbi Akstein recounted instances of cannabis being used in hookahs within yeshiva dormitories, a situation he deems a "matter of life and death" that requires urgent attention. 'Retorno' has developed an AI-based app to help families guide addicted individuals toward treatment.