At 24 years old, Yeruchum* considered himself responsible.
He was learning in yeshiva and working part time, paying his bills and staying on top of his obligations. So when he found himself placing bets on sporting events several times a week, he wasn't convinced there was a problem. After all, he always paid back any money he owed. Was this simply a hobby, or was it becoming something more?
On the advice of a close friend, Yeruchum decided to call Amudim.
During his conversation with a case manager, they explored what addiction actually looks like. They discussed how it isn't defined solely by how often someone engages in a behavior or whether financial consequences have already appeared. They spoke about warning signs such as loss of control, preoccupation and the role the behavior begins to play in a person's daily life.
As the conversation unfolded, Yeruchum shared something that caught his attention. He had always been drawn to high-adrenaline activities. Years earlier, that excitement came through parkour. More recently, he realized he had begun seeking that same rush through gambling. For the first time, he began to wonder whether he wasn't simply chasing excitement, but trying to satisfy something deeper.
The case manager validated his growing awareness and helped him understand that behaviors like gambling can sometimes become ways of coping with underlying emotional needs, stress or the search for stimulation. Most importantly, Yeruchum was encouraged by the fact that he had recognized these patterns early before they caused greater harm.
Together, they discussed practical next steps, including therapy and peer support. Yeruchum joined a support group where he could connect with others facing similar challenges and began working with a therapist to better understand the thoughts and emotions driving his behavior. Regular follow-up with his case manager has provided an additional layer of accountability and encouragement as he continues moving forward, gratified that he is taking proactive steps to help ensure the best outcome.
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 to protect privacy.
Week Ending August 7, 2026
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.
Social Media
What we see is often only a glimpse.
This month, Amudim’s new series, Beneath the Surface, will explore teen mental health and help us look more closely at the patterns, changes, and behaviors that may be telling us there is more to understand.
Starting August 10.
Sometimes it takes a familiar kind of moment to show us how much we’ve changed.
Something happens that once would’ve consumed us, and this time, it doesn’t.
That’s because we’re no longer meeting it from the same place.
We’ve grown.🌻
This Month
What comes next after abuse, crime, or trauma?
Join Amudim, Ray of Hope, and Meaningful People Podcast for a free conversation about responding with care, accessing support, and helping someone who turns to you.
Thursday, September 3 at 8:00 PM
Monsey, NY
Featuring Rabbi Zvi Gluck, Rabbi Avi Landa, Dr. Myriam E. Lankry, and Zeldy Broyde, moderated by Nachi Gordon.
Register and submit your questions:
https://amudim.org/what-comes-next/