USCJ Review - Spring 2002
Dealing With Substance Abuse
There are few things as soul destroying as living with chemical dependency. The many, many thousands of Jews in recovery can testify to the emotional, spiritual and physical bankruptcy the disease causes for individuals and families. This does not have to be the case. Recovery is possible and life can not only go on, but can be celebrated with warmth, richness and meaning.
There are two big misconceptions about chemical dependency: that Jews do not drink (and/or abuse drugs or pills) and that the 12 Step Recovery process is not compatible with Jewish tradition and belief. Not only is this incorrect, but the perpetuation of those myths prevents many from reaching out for the help they and their families need.
Substance abuse prevention and recovery begins with becoming aware of the disease of chemical dependency and how it affects individuals, families and communities. The path to substance abuse prevention and recovery begins with awareness and acceptance that these problems exist. Recovery and renewal are implicit in our Jewish heritage. So is compassion. The path to ending denial starts with us, how we incorporate knowledge and what Jewish values we transmit to those who need our help.”
JACS Teen Network - Jewish Board of Family and Childrens Services, 1997
According to JACS – a voluntary mutual-help group dedicated to encouraging and assisting Jewish alcoholics, chemically dependent persons, and their families, friends and associates – chemical dependency, whether alcohol, pills or illicit drugs, does not discriminate. It affects Jews as frequently as any other group. For many years, much of the Jewish community denied there was a problem, accepting the myth that few, if any, Jews suffer from addiction.
Clearly, that is not the case. While JACS has worked actively to reverse this denial in the Jewish community, other Jewish groups have taken up the cause as well. In 1998, the United Synagogue Commission on Substance Abuse & Teens in Crisis produced a comprehensive handbook for lay and rabbinic educational personnel, youth group directors, advisors and camp staff who work with teens in school, youth group and camp settings. The booklet – “And Therefore Choose Life: A Jewish Response to Teens in Crisis” – was created as a guide for educating our youth about the warning signs of suicidal intent, substance abuse and cult involvement.
In the following pages, the Review focuses on the issue of substance abuse, highlighting innovative programs and approaches emanating from our congregations and rabbinic leaders as well as from Jewish support groups.
