A powerful synthetic drug is sweeping Israel and West Bank, with the authorities struggling to contain the fallout.
Hydrocodone or “hydro” is similar in its effects to marijuana but much more addictive. Its users experience an opiate-like high, and the withdrawal symptoms are comparable to those undergone by heroin addicts.
Users spend their days slumped indoors or inactive on street corners, and commonly resort to stealing in order to maintain their addiction.
Doctors have warned that pregnant women can kill or harm their unborn babies if they use the drug.
