Yet another tragedy occurred in the Bukharian Jewish Community. Young souls vanish without leaving any trace behind.
I put together this guide in order for members of our community to use as a resource if they detect alcoholism and chemical dependency.
Addiction does not look at anyone’s social statute, class, educational background or race. Addiction does not look if you go to yeshiva or public school. It could happen to anyone you know. Please support one another and help people who are struggling.
Addiction may also be referred to as a mental health issue. This is very important to understand. You must accept the fact that your loved one has a mental health issue that they need to get help on.
Here are the signs and symptoms of drug use: Please note that these are general symptoms since each drug can give different reactions to different individuals.
There are many signs, both physical and behavioral, that indicate drug use. Each drug has its own unique manifestation, but there are some general indications that a person is using drugs:
- Sudden change in behavior
- Mood swings; irritable and grumpy and then suddenly happy and bright
- Withdrawal from family members
- Careless about personal grooming
- Loss of interest in hobbies, sports and other favorite activities
- Change in sleeping pattern; up at night and sleeping during the day
- Red or glassy eyes
- Sniffly or runny nose
Here are the resources that are available in Queens:
1. 
There is a new city initiative called NYC Well. This new initiative is Helping New Yorkers in Crisis. NYC Well is your connection to free, confidential mental health support, you can easily speak to a counselor via phone, text or chat and get access to mental health and substance misuse services, in Russian language, 24/7/365.
Text “WELL” to 65173 or Call 1-888-NYC-WELL or www.nycwell.cityofnewyork.us
2. Another great program that is available is called Jewish Alcoholics, Chemically Dep
endent Persons and Significant Others (JACS). It is a program of The Jewish Board. JACS has a hotline that runs 24/7 and it’s run by the JACS staff and volunteers. As mentioned on their website, JACS is dedicated to encouraging and assisting Jewish alcoholics, chemically dependent persons and their families, friends and associates to explore recovery in a nurturing Jewish environment. Promoting knowledge and understanding of the disease of alcoholism and chemical dependency as it involves the Jewish community.
You can call 212-632-4600 during their office hours. If you call after office hours, the caller should follow the instructions on the voicemail. This program is so great that they even work via email at jacs@jbfcs.org. Remember every conversation is completely confidential.
JACS can also help make referrals to various treatment options all over the US and internationally. Whether it be for therapeutic services, detox, outpatient or inpatient services. They can also help clients learn the options of paying privately or using their health insurance.
JACS is a program under the Jewish Board which also has 15 mental health clinics spread throughout the borough of New York City. Below are the ones that are in Queens. Please keep in mind that these are counselling centers. If you know someone who is actively using drugs, they might need a higher level of care/treatment, but this could be a good starting point.
On Tuesday October 24th at 7pm, Bukharian Jewish Union (BJU) presents a SUBSTANCE ABUSE AWARENESS AND PREVENTION FORUM. We would like to invite those who care about this issue to come and learn about the follow up and preventive programs that are available in our community. Lets be part of the solution together. For more information call Manashe Khaimov 914-364-2572.
See more details about the program here
Here are few other programs in our neighborhood.
Pride of Judea Community Services
Phone: 718.423.6200 Fax: 718.423.97622
243-02 Northern Boulevard Queens, NY 11362
Services Provided: Addiction Recovery, Adult Services, Child Services, Emotional Crisis, Family Services, Forging Healthy Relationships, Jewish Community Services, Living with Mental Illness, Sadness, Worry, Loss, Teen Services
Rego Park Counseling Center
Phone: 718.896.9090 Fax: 718.830.0724
97-77 Queens Boulevard, Penthouse
Queens, NY 11374
Services Provided: Addiction Recovery, Adult Services, Child Services, Emotional Crisis, Family Services, Forging Healthy Relationships, Living with Mental Illness, Sadness, Worry, Loss, Teen Services
Queens Care Management Services
Phone: 718.896.9090 Fax: 718.488.7158
97-77 Queens Boulevard
Queens, NY 11374
Services Provided: substance abuse
credit to Ladies World and Bukharian Times
