LIFESTYLE
NO LONGER A SHANDA Substance Abuse in the Jewish Community BY TANYA SCHWIED
Never let pride or shame keep you from asking for help.
THERE IS A growing problem of drug and alcohol abuse in the Jewish community, specifically Orange County, and members of the community and professionals I have spoken to have all expressed a collective frustration that there are too few resources to help those in need—whether it’s information, support, or just a place to feel welcome. I wanted to write an article that would get the conversation started about a 74 SEPTEMBER 2015 |
Jlife
few of the things being done in the community and try to remove some of the stigma surrounding this issue. One obstacle to dealing with the alcohol and drug problems head-on is the shame these problems cause in the Jewish community. Whether it is embarrassment or fear, drug and alcohol problems are often kept behind closed doors by families, shuls and organizations. This only serves to exacerbate