Addictions Support

The picture of an addict does not fit the stereotypical image that many people may have of Jews.  There is a tendency to believe that Jewish addicts are rare, if they even exist at all.  After all, everyone knows that Jews don't drink or abuse drugs!

In reality, the incidence of alcoholism and drug abuse is the same in the Jewish community as in society in general, affecting about 12% of the population.  People can also be addicted to prescription drugs, food, gambling, shopping, and even sex.  An addiction is any activity that becomes compulsive and obsessive and begins to interfere with daily life.  Unfortunately, serious denial exists within the Jewish community because Jews traditionally have been helpers but are reluctant to help themselves.  Addiction is considered such a stigma in the Jewish community, that many addicts go to great lengths to hide their secret from their family, friends, and even themselves.

Nevertheless, approximately 76 million Americans have experienced some form of alcoholism or addiction in their families according to the Center on Addiction and Substance Abuse.  JFCS provides the following programming for individuals struggling with addiction, as well as their family and friends.

Addictions Support Group

This support group is for Jews interested in recovery from addictions or who have a loved one who's addicted and are looking to find support and fellowship within a Jewish context.  Previously, this group was split into two discrete sub-groups; namely, addicts, then those who have a loved one who's addicted or in recovery.  These groups merged as of October 4, 2010, serving all Jews in the recovery community.  This group enjoys fellowship, support, social activities, and lively discussions integrating Jewish texts and study - all of which are centered on recovery for Jewish folks! 

It is no surprise that many Jews find themselves uncomfortable in traditional AA-style "12-Step" meetings.  JFCS, with the help of the Jewish Federation of Southern New Jersey and other generous sponsors, has been working for some time to develop this wonderful program.  This group does not replace a "12-Step" program and is not a "12-Step" program.  Confidentiality and anonymity are strictly respected within this group.

There is no fee for this group.  Check our event calendar for upcoming dates.  For more information about our Addictions Support Group, please call Meira at 856-424-1333 or email addictions@jfedsnj.org.

Additional Resources

Torah & The Twelve Steps with Rabbi Heshi K.

There is a weekly telephone meeting led by Rabbi Heshi K. in Toronto, which can be joined at any time.  This is a 30-45 minute Twelve Step telephone meeting.  The Torah reading of the week or an upcoming Holiday portion will be discussed as it relates to The Twelve Steps.  The meeting is then opened for sharing.  After the meeting is closed, participants can stay on the line to chat or ask questions.  The call-in number is located in Minnesota.  All those struggling with addiction are welcome to participate. 

Conference call information:

  • Date:  Every Thursday
  • Time:  12:30PM EST
  • Call-in Number:  218-339-2500
  • Access Code:  794147 (and then press the # key)

Jewish Alcoholics and Chemical Abusers and Significant Others (JACS)

JACS provides a supportive network of Jews who are successfully in recovery and co-dependence, as well as the communal professionals, clergy and educators who help them. JACS is a Resource Center to which individuals, families, groups and community institutions can turn for helpful, comforting guidance and links to the “recovery tools” that have proved helpful to the thousands of people who make up their network.

Contact information:

135 West 50th Street
6th Floor
New York, NY 10020
Phone:  212-632-4600
Website:  www.jacsweb.org

JACS 64th Spiritual Retreat Weekend

September is National Alcohol and Drug Addiction Recovery Month

The month of September is National Alcohol and Drug Addiction Recovery Month.  September coincides with the Jewish months of Ellul and Tishrei, including the High Holidays:  Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur.  The 12 Steps of Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) and other addiction recovery programs include moral inventory, asking forgiveness from those one has harmed and from G-d, praying and meditating to know G-d's will, and how to carry it out.  Ellul is a time of soul searching, and the 10 days between Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur is a time to ask forgiveness from those we have harmed, and to ask it of G-d during Yom Kippur.  The many parallels between a major tool in addiction recovery and Jewish traditions is clear. 

Click on the links below for additional addictions resources provided by Recovery Month 2010.

Main Office: 1301 Springdale Road, Suite 150, Cherry Hill, NJ 08003
Phone: 856-424-1333  /  Fax: 856-424-7384  /  Email: info@jfedsnj.org