#45: Ending Stigmas

Apr 8

Tune into Episode 45 of The Bridging Connections Podcast showcasing the innovative work of the Jewish Addiction Awareness Network (JAAN) to end the stigma associated with the disease of addiction in the Jewish world.

“My Judaism is not separate from my addiction recovery but integrated into it.”

— Rabbi Paul Steinberg

Jewish Addiction Awareness Network (JAAN)

Featuring: Marla Kaufman, Founder/Executive Director

Today’s topic is much more serious than most of the other topics that we deal with on this podcast. At the same time it may be one of the most important topics. We are grateful to amplify the voice of JAAN and its founder Marla Kaufman. The important work that they are doing to call attention to the devastating endemic of addiction is certain to save lives. I am grateful that JAAN is working to eliminate the stigma for those suffering from the disease of addiction and their loved ones.

From JAAN’s website:

Across the U.S. and Canada, millions of individuals grapple every day with addiction. This disease is having a devastating impact on lives, families, and entire communities — including Jewish communities.

While battling addiction, Jewish individuals and families must also confront the stigma and shame associated with a disease so misunderstood. The myth that Jews do not suffer from addiction as much as other groups often leaves families and individuals feeling isolated and disconnected from their friends, congregations, and communities. We’re changing that.

Jewish Addiction Awareness Network (JAAN) connects families and individuals to information, support, tools, and Jewish perspectives to help them face addiction and work toward recovery. Through partnerships, community-building, outreach, and education, we are helping Jewish communities better understand substance use disorder, as well as the power of Jewish traditions and wisdom in providing comfort and guidance.

If you or someone you love is living with addiction or in recovery, know this: You are not alone. And we will no longer be silent.

JAAN’s Mission:To increase understanding of the disease of addiction and decrease stigma by connecting individuals, families, and professionals across the Jewish spectrum in order to explore the intersection of Judaism and recovery, exchange resources, and support those in crisis.

Jewish Resources

Beit T’Shuvah, in Los Angeles, CA, is a residential addiction treatment center, congregation, and an educational institute where life is celebrated and every soul matters.

CCSA - Communities Confronting Substance Use & Addiction, in Teaneck, NJ, provides support and educational programming for Jewish communities, families, and educational institutions for loved ones of those suffering from addiction.

Our Jewish Recovery supports Jews in recovery and their loved ones, and to help all find experience, strength, and hope.

For a complete list of Jewish resources please visit JAAN’S Jewish resource page.

General Resources

Alcoholics Anonymous (AA), the original Twelve Step program is an international fellowship of people who have had a drinking problem.

Narcotics Anonymous (NA) is an international fellowship of people for whom drugs had become a major problem.

SMART Recovery (Self-Management and Recovery Training) is an abstinence-based, not-for-profit organization with a sensible self-help program for people who are having problems with drinking and using or other addictive activities and behaviors.

In The Rooms (ITR) is the world’s largest, online social network for the global recovery community with over 500,000 members who are willing to share their experience, strength, and hope 24/7 every day. ITR’s mantra is the acronym HITCH (Help, Inform, Touch, Connect, and Heal).

For a expanded list of general resources please visit JAAN’s general resource page.