The SAFE Foundation recently held a special program for 9th and 10th grade students at Magen David Yeshivah Celia Esses High School that helped answer those questions and more. The assembly stressed the dangers of drug and alcohol addiction and the consequences people face when addictions take over their lives.
Its important to learn from other peoples life experiences. Our guest speaker had to change his path, which is very difficult and takes a lot of courage and wisdom. It is always better to start down the right path, said Mrs. Esther Tokayer, MDYs assistant principal.
The guest speaker was a recovering drug addict and alcoholic from the Orthodox community, who gave a personal account of his struggles with addictions, the emotional damage it has done to his family and his brave road to recovery. He opened by addressing the students, If you are suffering with an addiction, there is hope. I am very thankful to SAFE Foundation for their wonderful programs. If I save one person from addiction today it is worth it.
He went on to tell the students that he began drinking at the age of 13 and smoking marijuana at the age 18. He kept all his emotions inside, and as he moved into his 20s, got married and had children, his drug use grew worse. While he was there physically for his family, he was not there emotionally. While promising he would stop taking drugs, he really hit rock bottom when he was thrown out of his home and was separated from his wife. The true road to his recovery was when he accepted the advice and help of professionals. He attended a 12 step program; eventually he went back to college and got his masters degree to help treat those with drug and alcohol addictions.
This honest and frightening account made an impact on the students, while educating them on the dangers of addictions and how to make responsible choices. The students were able to ask questions, which were candidly answered. When was the last time you took drugs or had a drink? What was your biggest wake-up call? What do you say to friends that still take drugs?
Over 20 students spoke privately with the speaker after the assembly. His story demonstrated how dangerous these addictions can become, and how one can lose everything they hold dear, due to the repercussions of their actions.
Arthur Brounstein, Director of Special Programs at the SAFE Foundation added, It is important to enhance what you learn at SAFE. This is an epidemic. You might think it is not a big deal to smoke or to have a drink with a friend, but the consequences of your actions can be dangerous and addictive.
The mission of SAFE is to provide their clients and their families with counseling, and support in dealing with addiction; and to educate all members of our community on the dangers of addiction and its prevention.
Thank you to Executive Director Ike Dweck and to Arthur Brounstein for providing the real life skills that one needs in order to cope with the pressures and challenges of todays society.
Please visit the SAFE Foundation website: www.thesafefoundation.org for more information. If you would like to contact SAFE, please call (866) 569-SAFE or email ask@thesafefoundation.org.
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Randi Shomer is a mother of four children, a community member, and a freelance writer.
