A while back, I saw a statistic that gave me pause. In 2010, the Unites States made up about 4.6 percent of the world’s population, and consumed a disproportionate amount of the world’s opioid supply. Would you like to guess what the percentage is?

A shocking 80%.

According to The American Society of Interventional Pain Physicians (ASIPP), “Americans, constituting only 4.6% of the world’s population, have been consuming 80% of the global opioid supply, and 99% of the global hydrocodone supply, as well as two-thirds of the world’s illegal drugs.”

What are we doing wrong?

About one out of every six Americans has abused a prescription drug. And prescription drug overdose is the leading cause of death in 17 states, more than motor vehicle accidents, cancer, or heart disease.

I’m sure it’s no shock to anyone reading this that we have a problem. An epidemic.  And make no mistake - Orthodox Jews are using the same drugs as their secular American friends.

This post is not about solutions, but about silence. The silence in the Orthodox Jewish community is deafening.

Read a right-wing Jewish newspaper, and you’ll hear about violent deaths, terrorism, and memorials. We read about dating, and how to raise children, and how to make matzo balls for Pesach (light and fluffy!). But we rarely read about drugs, or addiction, or how easy it is for your kids to find your Percocets.

There are many resources for those in need, but little open conversation about addiction. 

I work at The Safe Foundation, which has two distinct missions: treatment (individual and group therapy) for addicts and their families, and Jewish community education about addiction and mental health.

There are many organizations, like Safe, who are encouraging us to have this conversation, an ongoing dialogue with our kids and our community members. It behooves us to face our troubles, to support those who are in need, and most of all to create an environment for someone who is struggling to come forward.

And to those who have been affected by addiction, I encourage you to speak out. Talk with your friends, your families, your community. Let them know of the help available. Ask for support when you need it. And if you feel ashamed, or are concerned about marrying off your children, please remember that pain comes from God, and salvation too. Our job is to do the next right thing, and to leave the results in His capable Hands.

Shimmy Feintuch, LCSW CASAC-G maintains a private practice in Brooklyn, NY, and Washington Heights, NYC, with specialties in addictions and anxiety. He is also an Adjunct Professor at the Wurzweiler School of Social Work at Yeshiva University. Contact: (530) 334-6882 or shimmyfeintuch@gmail.com. 

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