The Marion and Aaron Gural JCC hosted an informative, professional community workshop addressing a difficult but timely topic: “Understanding the World of Prescription Drugs and Substance Abuse.” Dr. Miriam A. Knoll, Dr. Akiva Perlman, Pharmacist Devorah Roth, as well as a Hatzalah first-responder, and a member of the community who shared her personal and painful journey, were the featured panelists at this event which took place at the JCC’s 207 Grove Avenue location in Cedarhurst. In a sequential and cohesive presentation, each panelist spoke of their unique experiences and involvement with issues of substance and prescription-medication abuse.

Radiation oncologist Dr. Miriam A. Knoll explained from a medical perspective the frequent and legitimate necessity of prescribing pain medications for her patients suffering from various types of cancer. Often a physician prescription is the first step in what later can become a dependency on substance abuse. The physician’s role is a sensitive and complicated one, encountering many challenges when prescribing medications, due, in part, to the stigma of addiction that is attached to them.

Dr. Akiva Perlman, director of clinical supervision at Amudim, spoke of his many years of experience as an addiction and trauma specialist. He methodically explained where addictions stem from, the unfortunate resistance to recognizing this growing problem in our community, and the lack of knowledge regarding the many helpful resources available to addicts and their families. He offered invaluable information, including how to identify the signs of someone becoming a prescription-drug or substance-abuse addict.

Sandy Klar, the brave community member who provided a personal testimony, shared a heart-wrenching retelling of her experience as a recovering addict. She disclosed the ease in which she fell into her addiction, and the out-of-control spiraling of her life as a direct result of this addiction. She was extremely grateful that the JCC was hosting this event and for the opportunity to finally speak about her lonely struggles. She assured the audience of lay people and professionals that there is a real and pressing need for more events such as this in our community, including open, shame-free discussion.

Community member Devorah Roth discussed her experiences as a pharmacist who juggles the need to responsibly fill prescriptions, while being attuned to clients she encounters who are clearly misusing their medication, and some who obviously addicted to drugs. She recounted a personal story where she was robbed at gunpoint by an addict. Both Dr. Knoll and Ms. Roth explained how the medical field is reacting to this drug-abuse crisis and is making changes, requiring newer standards for doctors prescribing opioids to patients, as well as a coordinated effort between physician and pharmacist to prevent and recognize substance abuse.

Lastly, a dedicated first-responder Hatzalah member for over three decades told of several devastating and shocking stories of drug-abuse calls with which he has been involved. At some the use of Narcan to bring victims back to life after an overdose was necessary. He described how Hatzalah is the end of the line–a line you don’t ever want to reach. With the new intensity and frequency of drug and substance abuse in our area, sometimes it is simply too late even for a Hatzalah call. Members have sadly witnessed a frightening increase in death by overdose, especially in young people.

The evening was intense and enlightening. The knowledge and essential information shared by the panelists as well as the resources provided from agencies who were in attendance gave audience members a newfound understanding of the critical issues our community is currently facing, and guidance to identifying the signs and symptoms of substance abuse. This was an important step in raising the awareness in our community of a problem that exists, as painful as it is to admit, and is growing. It finally opened the doors to dialogue and action and was a first attempt to break the silence and start making a difference.

For more information about the workshop and other JCC support groups and services, please contact the Marion and Aaron Gural JCC at 516-569-6733.

The Marion and Aaron Gural JCC is a proud partner of UJA-Federation of New York, a member agency of the United Way of Long Island, and an affiliate of Community Chest South Shore. 

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