Substance use is highly prevalent in Canada. According to Stats Canada, approximately 6 million Canadians meet the criteria for “substance use disorder” over their lifetime.
Vancouver is disproportionately affected by the toxic drug crisis with the use of unsafe supply on the rise. From the notorious Downtown East Side to the mansions of Shaughnessy, the increase in substance use and overdoses due to the toxic drug supply are hitting our community hard.
Substance use is also prevalent in our Jewish community. Addiction can affect anyone, your friends, brother, sister, mom, dad, son, daughter and neighbors, it could be any of us. Research tells us that approximately 1 in 6 Jewish people are experiencing problematic substance use.
Our Community’s Reaction So Far
- JACS Vancouver was established to help address the problematic substance use in our community, and is currently 100% funded by members and foundations based within our local Jewish community. Learn more about JACS Vancouver’s Mission and Values and the services we offer.
- The stigma surrounding addiction can often be a barrier to reaching out for help, without compassion and understanding people suffer in silence. Community support and help is integral in providing effective care for Jewish people experiencing addictions.
- Typically, the Jewish community has had negative beliefs around addictions, like many cultures Jewish people view addictions as a moral failing. What we know through research is that addiction is NOT a moral failing but a health issue which requires evidenced-based treatment.
- Up until now, there has been no Jewish-informed addictions supports for Jewish people experiencing addiction.