From Orthodox Roots to Addiction

I grew up in a very from orthodox household. I went to good yeshivas, good schools, you know, I had good grades. You know, I was going to be the next gador, the next RV. And then over the years, things, you know, started to to fall apart. I didn't feel in place. I felt out of place. So, I started smoking weed. And, you know, I was accepted into a new social setting amongst peers that smoked weed and we had fun. And one thing led to the next and the drug usage got worse over time until I developed an addiction both physical and mentally. But the most important thing about it was that it it made me feel okay. A gentleman that was part of my father's shul he sat me down and he said maybe you should think about getting some help. And for the first time I felt somebody wanted to help me. Somebody understood what I was going through. And I said sure. He said I spoke to an organization on your behalf. It happened to be Amuim. It was in California. I went to Kabad Treatment Center. I went not knowing what to expect and it was the best experience I ever had. It was a place where I belonged. There was no judgment. That for me was the most important thing. It was feeling that I was a part of something that I never felt before. And throughout all this, the healing emotionally began. And [Music]