Ethics Learning Series: Beyond Shame: Addiction, Recovery, and the Jewish Community with Laurence Westreich, MD & Rabbi Andrea Steinberger
This session examines the cultural and spiritual dimensions of treating substance and behavioral addictions (including gambling, sex, and shopping) within Jewish populations. While statistics show a slightly lower rate of addiction among Jewish populations compared to non-Jewish populations, the difference is negligible. Jews suffering from addiction often encounter profound stigma leading to shame, isolation, and a reluctance to seek help. Dr. Westreich will address these challenges, outlining the root causes of addiction and detailing effective, community-specific approaches. In conversation with Andrea Steinberger, Senior Rabbi at the University of Wisconsin-Madison Hillel Foundation, we will reflect on addiction on the college campus as well as in our own communities.
Cosponsored by our RA and the CCAR