We at CCSA often comment on the very real challenge of keeping up with the ever-changing landscape of drug trends. Each time we find out about something new – whether it be a delivery device, a new substance, or some dangerous practice that is being engaged in – we are honestly dismayed (but never dissuaded from continuing our efforts!). It is disturbing to think of all the ways that those who manufacture and sell illicit drugs prey on users without regard to the harm and risk of death caused by these substances. Last year, the DEA issued a safety alert known as “One Pill Can Kill” to warn Americans of the alarming increase in the availability of lethal fake pills containing fentanyl. Fentanyl is a powerful synthetic opioid which is up to 100 times more potent than morphine. The amount of fentanyl capable of killing an adult can be as little as 2 mg, making it one of the deadliest substances and the cause of 64% of the over 100,000 overdose deaths (a record high) this past year. Criminal drug networks are mass-producing fake pills made to look like prescription medications such as Oxycontin, Percocet, Vicodin, Xanax, or Adderall. Fake pills are often sold on social media and e-commerce platforms, making them easily available to anyone, including minors. It is also made in rainbow colors, to look like candy so it is more enticing and seems harmless. Just one pill often contains enough fentanyl to kill someone. |
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During the period of May through September 2022, the DEA seized more than 10.2 million fentanyl pills and approximately 980 pounds of fentanyl powder. The amount of fentanyl taken off the streets during this siege is equivalent to more than 36 million lethal doses removed from the illegal drug supply. During the same period, the DEA seized half a million lethal pills, that is 500,000 lethal doses of fentanyl, within New York State. Approximately 40% of the pills analyzed by the DEA contain a lethal dose of fentanyl. Last month was National Youth Substance Use Prevention Month. Parents, if your child has a social media account or smartphone, drug traffickers can find them. There are even specific emoji “codes” used on social media to market fake pills. Encourage open and honest communication with your children. Explain what fentanyl is and why it’s so dangerous. Stress that they not take any pills or prescriptions that are not prescribed by a doctor, no matter who is supplying them or how trustworthy they may seem. Make sure they understand that fentanyl has been found in most illegal drugs and is sometimes even laced into marijuana and other substances. Create a plan to help your child know what to do if they are pressured in any way to try drugs or take a pill. Knowledge is power – educate them, and keep them safe and alive. Lianne Forman Executive Director |
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As we start the new school year we are excited to share with you how we expanded and enhanced our CCSA prevention programs. Over the summer we created a new high school program, for a total of seven grade-differentiated substance use prevention education programs for students in 6th -12th grades. Each program focuses on certain core topics: the dangers of nicotine, marijuana, alcohol and other substances on the developing brain and body, the cycle of addiction, peer pressure and mental health challenges that might lead to substance use, healthy ways to cope with stressors, and how to employ refusal skills. Our goals are the same for all students: learn how to ask for help for themselves or a friend/loved one, and to understand the dangers of substances and the risk of addiction so that they can make healthy and informed decisions. With the increased number of programs, we can further present the topics in an age-appropriate manner and engage the students in discussions about challenges and experiences specific to their experiences and stage of life. We want to acknowledge and thank Jonathan and Dina Leader of the Leader Family Fund. In addition to their ongoing support, their recent generous grant allowed CCSA to create a new 10th grade program utilizing “Fatal Vision” goggles. This program is a deeper dive into how alcohol and marijuana impair the user, with students participating in interactive activities with these special virtual reality goggles which simulate alcohol and marijuana impairment. Students will perform simple activities without and then with the goggles, demonstrating the consequences of driving after drinking or using substances or engaging in other activities that may cause harm to themselves or others. This hands-on experience in a safe setting adds another level of understanding to the in-depth discussions our CCSA presenters have with students on making safe and healthier choices. In addition, as our programs expand, so do the cities and communities we go to. We are thrilled that we will be presenting CCSA programs in Florida and Cleveland this fall and look forward to expanding to other communities. To bring CCSA to your community or school, reply to this email or email us at info@jewishccsa.org! |
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In our ongoing efforts to shatter stigma about addictions and mental health challenges, CCSA hosted a symposium entitled “Safeguarding our Families: Confronting the Realities of Addiction in Our Community” on September 18, 2022. With a roster of speakers who are experts in their fields, the symposium’s sessions highlighted issues and addictions which are becoming frighteningly prevalent in our communities: gambling, substance use, technology and social media, and sex and pornography. In addition, there were discussions on managing family responses while supporting a loved one with addiction; the intersection between mental health and substance use; addiction through the lens of trauma; and communal responses to crises. Featured speakers were Debbie Akerman, PhD, LCSW; Jeffrey A. Berman, MD, DFASAM; Ike Dweck, CASAC, GPGC; Sgt. Frank Gallucci; Akiva Goldschein, PhD; Rabbi Yisrael Grossberg; Nathaniel Nagelblatt, LCSW; and Binyamin Tepfer, PhD, CSAT-S, CMAT. There was also an update from the Bergen County Prosecutor's Office on current drug trends, with a focus on easily accessible THC products with the legalization of marijuana and the terrifying increase in fentanyl-laced substances. The event closed with a Narcan training by someone in recovery from addiction who, herself, was revived and saved by Narcan. Participants received free Narcan kits provided by Prevention is Key. “I cannot tell you the number of phone calls, emails, texts I have personally received from Jewish people here and in many other communities, reaching out for advice, resources and support. None of these issues are easy and all of them are very real. I can almost guarantee that each of you in this room knows at least one person struggling with such issues, whether you realize it or not… it is that prevalent,” said Executive Director Lianne Forman. “We cannot solve these potentially life-or-death matters until we talk about them openly and honestly. By coming together today to learn more about these issues that impact us, we are showing a desire to be educated and to support those who might be struggling and their families.” We want to thank those who sponsored this important event: Amudim Community Resources, Arbor Intensives, Cross River Bank, Englewood Health, Genesis Treatment, Meister Selig & Fein, Newport Healthcare, Project Extreme, Recovery at the Crossroads, and The Safe Foundation. Recordings of the individual sessions are available at: https://www.jewishccsa.org/recordings-symposium |
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November is Caregiver Awareness Month. Addiction is called a “family disease”. While it might be true that only one member of a family might be struggling with misusing/overusing a substance, the entire family is profoundly affected. Often a family member will come forward to take care of their loved one who is struggling, whether still in active addiction or the recovery process. Those caregivers, who often will be so involved in managing the crises of addiction, may “burn themselves out” in the effort, need their own support. For anyone who is taking care of a loved one struggling with addiction, or any other physical or mental challenge, remember to practice self-care: take some time for yourself and read a book, spend time outdoors, go out with friends, or engage in any other activity that brings you joy and greater peace of mind. |
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December is Drunk and Drugged Driving Prevention Month, which serves a reminder to never drive while “buzzed” or impaired. With days growing shorter, college students home during winter break, and holiday get-togethers throughout the month, there is a greater chance of someone getting behind the wheel after a few glasses of wine, beer or a cocktail, eating some edibles or using other substances. Driving while under the influence, whether from a legal or illegal substance, is against the law and an enormous mistake. It could cost you, or someone else, their life. |
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We welcome Devora Shabtai to our Advisory Board. Devora, who is the Vice President of Clinical Programming at Onward Living, an addiction rehabilitation program for Jewish men in Boca Raton, Florida, specializes in the treatment of addiction and spiritual/religious trauma. Click here to learn more about Devora’s work and that of our other Advisory Board members. We look forward to Devora’s insightful and meaningful contributions to the critical work of CCSA. |
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We welcome anyone with a loved one who is struggling with substance use or addiction. Since we are conducting these meetings online, anyone can join. Loved ones can meet others who understand what you are going through, and who can offer dialogue and support. The group is facilitated by professionals specializing in addiction and is free of charge. You are not alone. For more information on how to join the group, please email CCSA at info@jewishccsa.org. Our meetings are held on Wednesday evenings. |
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Writing for Our Blog Our CCSA blog, which debuted in 2021, has been a source of information and inspiration to its readers. Our goal for the blog was to start amplifying more voices in the Jewish world of addiction, recovery, and mental wellness, and we have done that many times over. We invite you to click here (https://www.jewishccsa.org/blog) and read for yourself. We are looking to highlight others’ perspectives on mental health and addiction issues. We are currently seeking additional submissions from: Family Members People in Recovery Young Individuals (and Students) Professionals in Mental Health Fields Or anyone touched by this issue!
If you or anyone you know is interested in submitting a piece to be published (anonymously or not), please reach out to Adeeva Laya Pomeranz at apomeranz@jewishccsa.org |
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