To those on the outside, the challenges and pain of addiction might seem self-inflicted. Maybe so. But that does not make the disease any easier to overcome or lessen its damage. If a person is willing and able to seek help, Amudim is here to offer whatever resources we can. And we celebrate the victory together with our clients when they achieve those dearly fought for goals.
Jason*, 27 years old and living back at his family’s home after a recent eviction, had been struggling with a gambling addiction for many years, and it was wreaking havoc on every aspect of his life. He couldn’t maintain a healthy relationship and his finances were unstable, to the point that he could not afford food, rent or basic necessities. And he felt utterly alone. Jason confided in a rabbi who had known him since high school, desperate for guidance on how he could break out of this cycle. And the rabbi told him to call us.
When Jason spoke to our case manager, he shared that despite all of the obstacles he was facing, he wanted help so that he could move on with his life, get married, have kids, maybe own a home one day and become a productive member of society. Jason didn’t know where to begin, but he knew that he was ready to try. Based on the breadth of Jason’s addiction, our case manager suggested that the best option for treatment was an intensive outpatient facility, where Jason would be able to enter a 12 step program and start individual and group therapy.
Thankfully, at this point, Jason has made tremendous strides.He has been clean for almost two months, and he has begun taking steps to rediscover meaning in his life. Jason decided to start davening again each day, and he and his rabbi have set time aside every evening to learn together. He recently secured a job and is working to save enough money to move out and build a new home. Our case manager and Jason’s therapist are working with Jason to solidify these new habits; and Jason is hopeful that in time, he will be ready to start dating with the goal of marriage and starting his own family.
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.