(Courtesy of CCSA) On Oct. 18, CCSA partnered with Refa’enu to host an online event during which important topics regarding mental health and addiction were discussed by presenters personally affected by these issues.
The feedback from the event was extremely positive, with participants noting the invaluable insights gained by listening to professionals and people personally affected by these issues. It also revealed the strong desire and need to engage in dialogue and to have more resources made generally available for those facing issues related to mental health and addiction.
In recognition of this need, the conversation will continue from 10:30-11:30 a.m. on Sunday, Nov. 15 via Zoom. The program is the first of what CCSA hopes will be a continuing series of online sessions that will answer questions about issues being faced, offer advice on treatment, or provide other information about substance use disorders and addiction. The discussion will feature Dr. Jeff Berman, Sharon Darack and Tova G.
Dr. Berman specializes in the treatment of substance use disorders and co-occurring mental health disorders and serves concurrently as director of psychiatric services for SOBA College Recovery; executive medical director of the Discovery Institute of Addictive Disorders; and senior psychiatric consultant for the IHSC in the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. Darack is a social worker and professional life coach specializing in addiction and mental health with longtime experience at JACS prior to working for the OU Israel Free Spirit Birthright, where she organizes trips to Israel for people in recovery. Tova G. is a recovering addict who has been sober for five years; today, she uses her Orthodox Jewish upbringing to help other Jewish alcoholics and addicts who may be suffering in the dark.
Open and honest discussion of these issues enables family and friends to show communal support and to eliminate the stigma surrounding mental health and addiction. This allows people, sufferers and families alike, to come forward for the help they need, which ultimately results in better outcomes. As one participant stated, “thank you for bringing these issues to our community and bringing more awareness. It allows me and others who are struggling to ask for the help we need.”
The event is free of charge. For more information, visit www.time2talkaddiction.org/events.
