Understanding Drug and Substance Abuse in the Jewish Community

Hello and welcome to our dedicated space for discussing and addressing drug and substance abuse within the Jewish community. Our site features a diverse range of professionals, therapists, and content focused on combating and understanding drug and substance abuse in the Jewish community.

Unique Challenges of Drug and Substance Abuse in the Jewish Community

When individuals within the Jewish community struggle with drug and substance abuse, which is often shaped by distinct cultural and religious factors, it represents a specific category of challenges faced by this group. Stigma, shame, cultural expectations, and religious considerations can all impact the experience and treatment of drug and substance abuse in the Jewish community. Often, cultural and religious factors play a role in how addiction is perceived and addressed. It can affect individuals' physical health, emotional well-being, relationships, and participation in community life.

Watch the videos below to gain insights from Jewish addiction professionals, therapists, and advocates. These resources offer extensive knowledge on addressing drug and substance abuse within the Jewish community, providing expert guidance and culturally sensitive techniques.

Professionals Who Specialize in Drug/Substance Abuse

Ari Daniels

Psychiatrist, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP-BC

  • Remote only
  • $95 - $375 Per Session

Ari Daniels, PMHNP-BC, offers compassionate care for individuals facing mental health challenges, specializing in holistic approaches, and shared decision-making.


"The world of psychiatry and psychiatric medications is full of narratives, folk wisdom, and criticisms from every angle. While the role of the psychiatric nurse is generally well-understood, the distinction becomes less clear when the title shifts to …

  • πŸ’‘ Solution-oriented
  • πŸ₯‡ Empowering
  • 🌎 Holistic
  • 🐣 Out of the box

Fresh Start

DON'T SURVIVE. THRIVE.

  • In-office Southfield

Jewish Fresh Start is a transformative retreat offering addiction recovery and mental health support, designed for the Jewish community's unique needs.


"Our flagship program, the Fresh Start Retreat, is a transformative 7-day intensive experience designed to help you heal deeply and rediscover your authentic self. Through this retreat, we guide you on a journey to understand the connections between …

  • πŸ’™ Warm
  • πŸ’‘ Solution-oriented
  • πŸ₯‡ Empowering
  • 🌎 Holistic

Penina Flug, LCSW

Therapist, Licensed Clinical Social Worker

  • In-office Boca Raton
  • $250 - $300 Per Session
  • 9 reviews

Penina Flug, LCSW specializes in Emotionally Focused Therapy and works with individuals, couples, and families from an attachment-based perspective.


"My approach to therapy centers on Emotionally Focused Couples and Family Therapy for adults. This method is particularly effective in fostering deep, lasting connections, making it a cornerstone of my practice. Additionally, I incorporate a tailored approach to …

  • 🎯 Direct
  • πŸ’™ Warm
  • πŸ‘‚ Listener
  • 🀝 Collaborative

Sara Newman, LMHC

Therapist, Licensed Mental Health Counselor

  • In-office North Woodmere
  • $250 - $275 Per Session

Sara Newman, LMHC, uses CBT, EMDR, and trauma-informed care to support clients through infertility, grief, trauma, addiction, and postpartum challenges.


"My approach to therapy is rooted in empathy, evidence-based practice, and a deep commitment to creating a safe and non-judgmental space for healing. I believe in meeting each individual and family exactly where they are, honoring their unique …

  • 🎯 Direct
  • πŸ’™ Warm
  • πŸ˜ƒ Humorous
  • πŸ‘‚ Listener

Shauli Wagschal, MHC-LP CASAC-T

Therapist, Mental Health Counselor, Limited Permit: IN PERSON SESSIONS ONLY

  • In-office Brooklyn
  • $100 - $200 Per Session
  • I accept insurance

Shauli Wagschal is a therapist who integrates an existential perspective, in addition to CBT, DBT, & ACT to empower his clients to find meaning & purpose in life.


"My approach begins with a humanistic, person-centered foundation. I deeply believe that people are inherently good and possess the ability to grow, heal, and create meaningful change when supported in the right environment. By fostering empathy, unconditional positive …

  • πŸ‘‚ Listener
  • πŸ’‘ Solution-oriented
  • 🌎 Holistic
  • 🐣 Out of the box

Elliott Blitenthal

Therapist, Licensed Clinical Social Worker, LCSW

  • In-office Las Vegas
  • $175 - $175 Per Session
  • I accept insurance

Elliott Blitenthal is a Frum Therapist in Queens


"My approach is integrative, trauma-informed, and personalized to each client’s unique needs. I work holistically, combining mind and body, using modalities like EMDR, parts work (IFS-inspired), mindfulness, and CBT tools. I also offer ketamine-assisted psychotherapy (KAP) and psychedelic …

  • 🎯 Direct
  • πŸ’ͺ Challenging
  • 🌎 Holistic
  • 🧘 Calm

Ari Perl

Therapist, LCSW

  • In-office Kew Gardens Hills
  • $250 - $300 Per Session

Ari Perl is a frum licensed clinical social worker whose approach to therapy is grounded in a humanistic, holistic, and non-pathologizing perspective.


"Wholesome Process & Results. Ari is humanistic, holistic, and non-pathologizing. Powerful and beautiful innate qualities lives in each and every one of us. Ari's clients develop a better understanding of themselves, of their goals, of their inner parts, …

  • πŸ’™ Warm
  • 🌎 Holistic

Yael Katz

Therapist, Licensed Mental Health Counselor, LMHC

  • Remote only
  • $100 - $200 Per Session
  • I accept insurance

Yael Katz is an LMHC in MA. She uses art therapy, CBT, and mindfulness to treat anxiety, depression, stress, relationships, and life transitions.


"In my practice, I adopt a compassionate and understanding therapeutic approach. I firmly believe that the key to successful therapy lies in establishing a safe and accepting space where clients can freely explore their thoughts and emotions. By …

  • πŸ’™ Warm
  • πŸ‘‚ Listener
  • πŸ™Œ Affirming
  • πŸ₯‡ Empowering

Chanan Davis, LMFT

Therapist, Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist

  • In-office Lakewood
  • $220 - $220 Per Session
  • I accept insurance

Chanan Davis, LMFT stays committed to using powerful actionable healing modalities to help his clients reduce suffering and improve their lives.


"Multifaceted and Flexible: I draw from a wide range of powerful therapeutic modalities tailored to each individual. My approach is goal-oriented, yet deeply intuitive and attuned. I look beyond surface symptoms to explore underlying issuesβ€”like trauma, nervous system …

  • 🎯 Direct
  • πŸ’™ Warm
  • πŸ™Œ Affirming
  • πŸ₯‡ Empowering

Brocha Silverstein

Therapist, Drug & Alcohol Counselor, SAP, NCAC, CASAC-G

  • Remote only

Let’s help you help yourself, let’s treat the disease as a disease and find sustained recovery, a recovery customized to your or your loved one’s disease.


"My specialization lies in helping individuals dealing with addiction issues such as drugs, alcohol, gambling, food, sex, pornography, or internet addiction. These struggles can be deeply personal and challenging, and it's essential to tackle them with a compassionate …

  • πŸ’™ Warm
  • πŸ’ͺ Challenging
  • 🌎 Holistic
  • πŸ™ Spiritual

Yechiel Aharonof

Therapist, Sex and Pornography Addiction,

  • In-office Jackson
  • $250 - $250 Per Session
  • 4 reviews

Yechiel Aharonof, LCSW, supports teens, adults, & families through addiction & trauma using TF-CBT, ACT, MI, & more, with deep respect for religious values.


"My main goal in therapy is to make sure you feel like a whole person, not a diagnosis, not a project, and not something that needs to be fixed. I don’t believe your struggle defines you. You are …

  • πŸ’™ Warm
  • πŸ‘‚ Listener
  • πŸ₯‡ Empowering
  • 🌎 Holistic

Yaakov Diner, PMHNP-BC

Psychiatrist, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner

  • Remote only
  • $175 - $250 Per Session
  • I accept insurance

Yaakov Diner is a frum psychiatric medication provider integrating therapy, medication management, & more to support healing, resilience, & wellness.


"My approach is deeply holistic and highly individualized. I believe true healing happens when we consider the whole person β€” mind, body, and environment β€” so I take into account psychological patterns, physical health, social dynamics, cultural identity, …

  • πŸ’­ Open minded
  • πŸ₯‡ Empowering
  • πŸ’™ Warm
  • πŸ’‘ Solution-oriented

1-1 Breakthrough Session

1-1 Breakthrough Session by Raina Balsam, Coach

You will be cleansed, healed, and blown away from your new insight after our session. Access a deeper level of yourself to reach incredulous joy and a satisfyingly soothing, rich,…

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Understanding and Addressing Drug and Substance Abuse within the Jewish Community

Drug and substance abuse is a pressing concern across various communities, with the Jewish community facing its own specific obstacles. While the broader understanding of addiction exists, the intricacies of cultural norms, religious practices, and community dynamics within the Jewish community add layers of complexity. Drug and substance abuse within the Jewish community can affect individuals regardless of age, gender, or background, highlighting the need for awareness and targeted interventions.

Strategies for Addressing Drug and Substance Abuse in the Jewish Community

Effective support and treatment for Jewish individuals struggling with drug and substance abuse necessitate approaches that are culturally and religiously attuned. This encompasses therapy that respects religious beliefs and cultural practices, community support networks that provide a sense of belonging and understanding, and accessible addiction treatment resources. Tailored interventions and recovery programs are developed to address the specific facets of drug and substance abuse within the Jewish community. It's crucial to seek professional guidance to navigate these challenges effectively, ensuring a path towards sobriety, healing, and improved quality of life. It's important to note that our professionals are experts in their fields, bringing both specialized knowledge and a deep understanding of cultural nuances to their work

Our directory features professionals, including Therapists, Psychiatrists & Coaches, who offer culturally sensitive support for those navigating Drug/Substance Abuse within the Jewish community.

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