Judaism has long recognized the power of alcohol and potential dangers (see Genesis 9:21, the first occurrence of alcohol in the Bible). As such, there is an importance of being aware of them. For those who may struggle with alcohol use, here are some helpful resources. For more on the topic of alcohol abuse in the Jewish community, please check out episode #48 of The Jewish Drinking Show, “Alcoholism in the Jewish Community”.
While such terms as alcoholism and alcohol abuse have been common in these spaces, I am also going to now use such terms as alcohol misuse and alcohol use disorder, as recommended by the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism. For in-depth reading on these matters, you may be interested in a couple of publications by this institute: Understanding Alcohol Use Disorder and Treatment for Alcohol Problems: Finding and Getting Help.
For Jewish-specific resources, you may be interested in checking-out Jewish Addiction Awareness Network (JAAN), a comprehensive resource website with general and Jewish-specific resources, up-to-date listings of Jewish-focused recovery events and programs (virtual and in-person in different geographical areas in the U.S.), an extensive suggested reading library, and a blog featuring many voices sharing Jewish perspectives on addiction and recovery.
You may also be interested in checking-out Our Jewish Recovery. Other Jewish organizational resources you may also consider are Jewish Alcoholics, Chemically Dependent Persons and Significant Others (JACS), Tikvah Center for Jewish Recovery and Healing, and/or Beit T’shuvah.
Looking for some advice for the Jewish community with regards to serving alcoholic beverages?
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- Alcoholics Anonymous national website
- Al-Anon Family Groups national website (Al-Anon is a support group for loved ones of people grappling with AUD)
- NIH’s NIAAA (National Institute for Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism)
- Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration’s National Helpline
- Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration’s Treatment Locator