The Addiction Epidemic in the Frum Community
| Addiction is no longer a distant problem. It’s here—in our yeshivos, our shuls, and our homes.
Over a decade ago, Rabbi Dr. Abraham Twerski, zt”l, warned that “children from the finest families may use drugs.” Today, that warning has become a painful reality. We are losing too many lives. Zvi Gluck of Amudim reports over two dozen overdose-related deaths in the Orthodox community in a single year. Teens as young as twelve years old are joking about weed. Fourteen-year-olds are showing up at drop-in centers with serious dependencies. Prescription painkillers like OxyContin are a gateway. Heroin has become cheaper than cigarettes. Marijuana is often laced with deadly additives like cocaine or fentanyl. And thanks to technology, drugs can now be delivered straight to a teen’s door. |
|
| But the crisis isn’t just chemical—it’s emotional. As addiction professionals explain, drugs are often a response to deep pain, trauma, or feeling like they don’t belong. For many, substances are the anesthesia for emotional wounds that haven’t healed.
At Torah Psychology, we believe recovery starts with compassion, education, and culturally-attuned coaching. That’s why we’re training certified Addiction Recovery Life Coaches who understand the spiritual, emotional, and cultural struggles unique to our community. The Orthodox world is waking up. But awareness must be followed by action. If you’re a parent, a rebbe, a teacher—or someone who wants to help—we invite you to be part of the solution. Let’s not wait for another tragedy. Let’s bring healing now. With concern and hope, Rabbi Daniel Schonbuch, LMFT Founder, TorahPsychology.org |
