People sometimes throw out the phrase “failure to launch,” representing a grown child who has not found a way to leave the family nest and establish an independent and productive adult life. But it is often the case that this problem is masking a larger issue that must be resolved before a person can even contemplate finding a way to a healthy and happy future on his own.
Shimmy*, a 24 year-old living at home, had been struggling with a painful and secret sex addiction for several years. It began with exposure to internet pornography when he was hanging out with school friends, and quickly escalated to spending hours in his room each night going down the dark rabbit hole of the internet. Shimmy was unemployed, lethargic, and uninterested in doing anything to move his life forward. When his parents were concerned over Shimmy’s lack of direction and erratic behavior and eventually discovered his secret, they demanded that he leave their home until he found help with his addiction.
After seeing one of our Instagram posts, Shimmy reached out to Amudim seeking guidance. Our case manager conducted a full intake, and was able to make arrangements for Shimmy to immediately enter an inpatient rehab program. Amudim found a way to secure partial funding through our donor network, and we are so grateful to have a community of people able and willing to offer their essential assistance. Our case manager maintained regular contact with Shimmy’s treatment team; and when Shimmy completed the program, we helped move him into a transitional/sober living environment. Baruch Hashem, after six months of intense treatment, Shimmy has come a long way. He is in weekly therapy, attending support groups and has found a job. We also assisted Shimmy with finding a place to live in the same community as his family; and he is awaiting the day when the time is right to return home to continue on his journey of recovery. Now that he has reached this better place, Shimmy’s parents are encouraging and looking forward to reuniting with their son.
If you or someone you know is struggling, please don’t hesitate to reach out. Amudim is just a phone call away and here to help.
*Names and details have been changed for privacy purposes
Each week, Amudim fields calls covering a wide range of crises and addressing various human concerns, including addiction, depression, abuse, health and domestic emergencies and many others. We track the calls and breakdown of issues for many reasons, foremost of which is to consistently improve and strengthen our knowledge and ability to address community’s needs.
One step back does not mean you are defeated. It only means you are going to take the same step forward again, but this time wiser.