When concerns about substance use or other possible addictions arise: what help is available? Who can I call?

“My daughter is getting out of detox soon and needs treatment, I don’t know where to send her!”  “I think my father needs help but I’m not sure.  How can I tell?”  “My best friend was sober for years but recently relapsed.  What can I tell her if she asks me what she can do?” These are just some of the common questions Jewish community members ask when they seek addiction services at JCFS Chicago.  We welcome calls from individuals concerned about their own substance use or compulsive behavior and reach outs from worried family and friends regarding their loved ones. Community members call when the need for treatment is clear as well as when a problem is suspected but not confirmed.

Addiction services staff at JCFS Chicago will conduct a phone screening with any Jewish community member who is concerned about their own substance use or that of a loved one and make suggestions based on the information that is gathered.  Suggestions might include language to use when talking with someone about their substance use or other addictive behavior, recommendations for addiction treatment and peer support meeting locations. Our staff will also discuss any concerns about compulsive behaviors such as gaming, gambling, and sexual behaviors.  We are familiar with a wide variety of local and national treatment resources and support groups for individuals and family members seeking recovery and routinely make referrals to these programs.  We encourage local Jewish organizations to rent space to peer recovery meetings and maintain a list of peer recovery meetings held in Jewish communal locations. As many callers are concerned about a loved one’s substance use or other addictive behaviors, our staff often suggests ways that callers can get the support they need, as loving someone who is struggling with addiction is often frightening and emotionally draining. 

Please contact 855.ASK.JCFS (855.275.5237) for assistance.