The sharp rise in addiction rates reported last month by Columbia University researchers has unfortunately not left our community spared. With addiction escalating to epidemic proportions in the frum community, Amudim and Ohel are inviting parents to learn how to detect the early warning signs, minimize the risk of addiction, and protect their children. This highly informative addiction awareness event is coming to Brooklyn this Monday, May 1 st at Ateres Chynka.

The first step to addressing the crisis is acknowledging that it does indeed exist. “It’s no longer possible to try and make believe that certain things that are killing our kids are not happening,” says Zvi Gluck of Amudim. “These are issues that we must confront and accept that they are a problem. It is our responsibility as members of klal yisrael to do something about it.”

Rabbi Elya Brudny Shlit”a, Rosh Yeshiva of Mir Yeshiva Brooklyn and the Rabbinic authority at Amudim concurs, “These problems can occur in the most functional families, in the best of schools, in state-of- the- art classrooms.” The bottom line is that it could happen to anybody. That’s why I am urging every parent to attend Monday night’s event.

The remarkable lineup of speakers includes Rabbinical Advisor of Amudim, HaRav Elya Brudny, offering a Torah perspective on addiction, as well as trauma and addiction experts Dr. Akiva Perlman and Dr. Norman Blumenthal. They will address how parents can identify and diminish the risk factors of addiction, and how victims and their families can embark on the path toward recovery.

The keynote presentations will be followed by Naloxone (Narcan) training. Often called the “rescue shot,” Naloxone is a life-saving drug that reverses the effects of opioid overdose. Family members will learn how to administer the drug, and will leave with a free naloxone kit.

The event’s message is that recovery is possible. Like cancer, addiction is a disease, and must be treated accordingly. Treatment by a licensed mental health professional can ensure recovery and success for the future. Addiction cannot be ignored, and the path to recovery cannot be navigated alone. Help is available for victims and their families.

The event will be held by Amudim in conjunction with Ohel, Our Place, Project SAFE, Relief Resources, and Flatbush Jewish Community Coalition. The program begins at 7:30pm, and is a must-attend for parents and educators.

Amudim is a non-profit organization that offers direct support to families confronting abuse, addiction, arrest, suicide, and death. Their expert staff is available 24/7 to support those in crisis.

By attending Monday evening’s Awareness Event at Ateres Chynka, you will be taking the first step toward ensuring the safety of your family. This informative event is open to the public free of charge. For more information, contact Amudim at [email protected] or 646-517- 0222.

(YWN Headquarters – NYC)