Assemblyman Steven Cymbrowitz, Chairman of the Assemblys Alcoholism and Drug Abuse Committee, brought Arlene Gonzalez-Sanchez, Commissioner of the New York State Office of Alcoholism and Drug Abuse Services to Midwood to enable her to hear firsthand about the Jewish communitys alcoholism and drug abuse problems. Over 20 rabbis, doctors, psychologists, social workers and program directors, with experience treating local residents with alcohol and drug abuse issues, participated in the roundtable discussion held in the Young Israel of Midwood.
The discussion was sponsored in conjunction with the Orthodox Union. Rabbi Dr. Tzvi Hersh Weinreb, its Executive Vice President, Emeritus, has been deeply involved in issues of alcoholism and substance abuse in the Orthodox community and has been one of the most effective leaders in making it clear that such abuses do occur in the community and should not be ignored, denied or swept under the rug.
The Orthodox Union is glad to be working along with Assemblyman Cymbrowitz on the problem of addictions in the Orthodox Jewish community. Our Department of Community Engagement is planning a major event with the Assemblyman in Brooklyn, which is designed to educate parents about the dangers of substance abuse and what they can do. This roundtable, the second event of its kind, was designed to help define the nature and scope of the problem, and to help devise effective interventions for the community.
While it is widely known that the Jewish people use wine for sacramental purposes, many would be surprised to learn that wine and alcohol, and with a growing frequency drugs, are being abused in our community. The notion that Jews dont abuse substances, held by many Jews, results in individuals with alcohol or drug problems not receiving treatment and the community as a whole not getting its fair share of resources for prevention and treatment programs, Cymbrowitz explained.
The level of denial still needs to be addressedits tripping us up, said a social worker. A program director told the Commissioner, I can walk down any block in Flatbush and point out houses on each block with a kid or two at risk.
Its important that the perception of the Jewish community being free of alcohol, drug and gambling problems be corrected.
Assemblyman Cymbrowitz added, Whether its shul hopping for simchas serving alcohol, generously helping ones self to another family members prescription pain killers found in a medicine cabinet or spending the familys last dollar on a sure bet, addiction problems have invaded the Jewish community. This is the reality that I want Commissioner Gonzalez-Sanchez to hear.
It was good to hear that many yeshivahs are on board when it comes to alcohol and drug issues. Parents, rabbis and community leaders are searching for help. It took many years, but they are ready. This is important because it is impossible to provide a remedy if you dont admit that there is a problem, Cymbrowitz stated.
Acknowledging that there is an alcohol and drug problem in the Jewish community is especially important when it comes to prevention. Today more yeshivahs are willing to provide their students with a drug and alcohol abuse prevention curriculum.
I want to express my sincere appreciation to Assemblyman Cymbrowitz and the Jewish community for inviting me to be part of this important roundtable discussion. I was very pleased to have the opportunity to hear the comments and concerns of the participants who spoke, commented Commissioner Gonzalez-Sanchez.
OASAS (Office of Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Services) remains committed to providing quality health care that is comprehensive and sensitive to the specific needs of the individuals we serve. I look forward to working closely with Assemblyman Cymbrowitz, to address the issues facing the people of this community.
This roundtable discussion was a follow up to a meeting of local rabbis and clinicians that explored the extent of the alcoholism and drug problem in the Jewish community. It is important that we pay attention to this issue. We dont want to be alarmists, but the Jewish community must realize that at best alcohol and drugs are a threat and for some individuals they pose a serious problem. Community leaders and residents must be aware of the reality. This is why the Orthodox Union and I will be sponsoring a community-wide town hall about alcohol and drug abuse in the fall, Cymbrowitz concluded.
