Uplift Your Life: Nourishment Of The Spirit

Almost 21 million Americans have at least one addiction, but only 10% get treatment, and 300 million people worldwide abuse alcohol. Addictions have gotten worse during the pandemic, including eating disorders in children. Denial is a major barrier to seeking help. In addition to the addict, family members and communities can be in denial. Growing up I had two alcoholic uncles, which no one in the family, except me, seemed to notice. One died in his fifties of cirrhosis of the liver. His sisters insisted he died because the hospital was understaffed during the Thanksgiving holiday. My other uncle would tell his sisters he was sober, and they would believe him even when they saw him sitting at the bar with a drink in his hand. They protected their brothers partially because they believed the myth that Jews aren’t alcoholics. We are all human and susceptible to addiction. Please join us Thursday to see how we can admit the truth, heal, and lead a full life with the help of Jewish wisdom.