For nearly 10 years, Joey, a member of the Syrian Jewish community in Brooklyn, has shown up in Jewish day schools to talk about his experience drinking and using drugs. With the opioid epidemic spreading across our country and city, open discussion about drug use and prevention has never been more needed.
Last year, drug overdose deaths hit a record high of 1,374 people in New York City, which includes members of the Jewish community.
Joey also shares his story at SAFE Foundation trainings for mental health professionals in UJA’s network of nonprofits. SAFE is dedicated to providing counseling and support for drug addiction as well as prevention programs.
Through trainings like these, funded by UJA, we’re helping social workers and counselors on the frontlines in the New York Jewish community respond to the opioid crisis and make an impact on this devastating scourge afflicting all walks of life and all ages.
Joey’s Story
“I came from a religious, well-respected family in the Syrian community,” Joey, now 40, told a Jewish high school audience recently. “My story started when I was 13 years old. My parents thought they’d never have a child like this. I was the youngest of six.”
Joey started drinking at 13, when his brothers — 10 and 11 years older, and allowed to drink — threw parties at their family’s house. Joey invited his friends over and they would sneak beer after beer.
Joey tells the students, “I had the alcohol. But it fizzled out. I needed something more.”
By age 17, his drinking switched to smoking marijuana, then escalated over the years to cocaine, OxyContin, Percocet. “I was hooked. It’s so hard to get off drugs. I was an addict, and it’s the hardest thing to stop.”
Joey made several attempts at rehab out of a desire to please his family, he says, not himself. Until at age 29, Joey realized he needed a change.
“How did I stop? I had enough. I couldn’t take it anymore. I was done with the trouble. I didn’t like the feeling anymore, I just felt sick. I was ready this time.”
Joey and his father sought help from SAFE. This January will mark 11 years since Joey’s had a drink or used drugs.
“Every single day it’s a struggle, I think about it. My family keeps me sober,” says Joey who is married and the father of three boys.
Why Speaking Out Matters
He also knows how important it is to help SAFE educate teens in the community about the risks of drug use.
“Drugs are readily available. Kids in our communities, Flatbush, Williamsburg, Borough Park, Five Towns, have overdosed and died. It’s out of control. We’re living in the worst epidemic ever,” he adds. “I’m not an athlete with a drug problem. When kids see me, I’m someone who was a kid from a Jewish family sitting in classes like they are. They can relate to me.”
The quiet in the rooms when he speaks lets Joey know students are truly listening. And there’s something else that motivates him to speak out.
“I have such a big support group of guys who are sober. I always remember how bad it was, and how good it is today. I’m grateful.” Joey says. “If I can save one person out of a room when I talk, than I’m successful.”
If you or someone you love needs help with substance abuse, contact the SAFE Foundation or JACS, a program of Jewish Board of Family and Children’s Services, which provides assistance with recovery and also trainings for mental health professionals in UJA’s network of nonprofits.