jews d

in
the

teen

n

tlight o
spo

mental health

Recovery Month 2018

S

eptember — a month of fresh
recovery to feel they’re a productive
starts and transitions. Kids (of
member of society. This can be many
all ages) going back to school,
things, such as a job, school, volunteer
seasons changing and, for Jews, the
work, creative endeavor or hobby.
High Holiday season with Erev Rosh
So what does recovery look like in
Hashanah on Sept. 9.
more concrete terms? Let’s use Estie
September also highlights a dif-
(not her real name) as an example.
ferent type of fresh start
Estie is 25 years old, recently
or transition. Since 1989,
married and anxious to set up a
September has been recog-
Jewish household with her new
nized as National Recovery
husband. She’s feeling pressured
Month. Sponsored by the
by the expectations of her par-
Substance Abuse and
ents, siblings and in-laws to give
Mental Health Services
up her career and have children.
Administration (SAMHSA),
Prior to their marriage, she con-
an organization that works
fided to her husband that she
to increase awareness and Maureen Lyn
has been using marijuana and
Bernard
understanding of mental
prescription anti-anxiety medi-
health and substance use
cations to “feel normal,” and she
disorders.
promised to stop using them.
The purpose of Recovery Month is
She’s been able to keep her promise;
to spread these important messages:
yet the shortness of breath and pan-
• Behavioral health is essential to
icky feelings keep coming in waves,
overall health
affecting her sleep, appetite and abil-
• Prevention works
ity to socialize.
• Treatment is effective
Estie has many aspects of recovery
• People recover
in place, such as supportive family
This year’s theme, “Join the Voices
and friends, synagogue affiliation, a
for Recovery: Invest in Health, Home,
career, a sense of purpose coupled
Purpose and Community,” explores
with a safe, secure place to live, finan-
how integrated care, a strong com-
cial resources, and access to medical
munity, a sense of purpose and lead-
and behavioral health care. Yet her
ership contribute to effective treat-
recovery is hindered by her fear of
ments that sustain the recovery of
letting others know about her long-
people with mental and substance use standing anxiety and depression and
disorders. These themes are sewn into over-reliance on anti-anxiety meds
the fabric of our own Jewish commu-
and marijuana.
nity and reflected in the recent con-
Through individual therapy, Estie
cern over the rise of addictions and
would be encouraged to speak frankly
deaths from overdoses and suicides,
with her physician to rule out medical
especially among our young people.
causes for her symptoms and to seek
As an addictions professional, I’m
out a psychiatrist to determine if psy-
frequently asked if being abstinent
chiatric medication would be helpful.
from a drug (including alcohol) that
She’d be able to talk out her concerns
was causing a problem is enough. It’s
about confiding in family and friends,
not. Recovery is defined as a process
including some family counseling ses-
of change through which individuals
sions to help her do so, such as with
improve their health and wellness, live Friendship House in West Bloomfield.
a self-directed life and strive to reach
Recovery Month may be over with
their full potential. Not “using” is
October’s arrival, but, just as the High
sometimes the easiest part; the chal-
Holidays bring a period of self-reflec-
lenge is in developing a life in recov-
tion, it is the hope that inspiration
ery that is worth living. This is where
gained during Recovery Month will
integrated care that includes counsel- also sustain us beyond September. •
ing, 12-step fellowship and medical
Maureen Lyn Bernard, LMSW, is a clinical
and/or psychiatric supports come in.
therapist at Jewish Family Service and a
A strong community occurs when
certified addictions counselor.
an individual feels supported by fam-
ily, friends and even religious institu-
tions. Leading the life of an addict is
For more information on local
very purposeful — and it is that sense
resources, contact Jewish Family
of purpose that needs to be replaced.
Service at (248) 592-2313 or
Having something to do each day
resourcecenter@jfsdetroit.org.
that has meaning allows someone in

46

September 6 • 2018

jn

