Addictions Support Groups

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.

The Jewish Friends of Bill W.

This group is for those who identify themselves as addicts and would like to network and build community with other addicts in South Jersey.  This is an opportunity to receive support from peers and consider how addicts can be supported within the Jewish community.  This peer led group meets on the third Monday of the month at Congregation M'kor Shalom.  Confidentiality and anonymity will be observed. 

There is no fee for this group and pre-registration is not required.  Check our event calendar for upcoming dates.  For more information, please call Meira at 856-424-1333 or email addictions@jfedsnj.org, or call Scott at 856-816-3812 or email scott@readytotransform.com.

Jewish Family and Friends of Addicts

Peer support for Jewish family and friends of individuals struggling with addiction issues.  This peer and professionally led group meets weekly at JFCS in Cherry Hill. 

"My son is using drugs again.  I decided to go to the peer support group at JFCS.  I talked.  They listened.  They understood.  The situation didn't change, but now I felt that I could cope."  - Addictions Support Group participant

There is no fee for this group and pre-registration is not required.  Check our event calendar for upcoming dates.  For more information, please call Meira at 856-424-1333 or email addictions@jfedsnj.org.

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 RecoveryMonth.gov.

• Overview
• Treatment and Recovery
• Educators
• Clergy