Friends Helping Friends – Helping To Find Light At The End Of The Tunnel

Sadly almost everyone knows someone who is struggling with a form of substance or alcohol abuse. The issue is a prevalent one not just in the world at large but even within our community.

Most people associate the issue of alcohol or drug abuse with the homeless or derelicts in society. Unfortunately the new generation of substance dependency finds itself nested among a variety of individuals ranging from executives down to yeshiva boys, as well as the average Yossi who sits next to you in shul.

The abuse may start with the Shabbos Kiddush binge and move to small daily drinking “just to take the edge off”. It may start with the prescription of painkillers from a knee injury a while back that one can no longer live without which moves to risky usage of dangerous street substances. All are considered forms of substance abuse and many will be in denial and refuse to admit that they feel a “need” for the pills or the drink.

“I don’t rely on the pills” your relative may tell you. “I don’t need to drink, I just happen to enjoy it” your friend might say. However, the chemicals that make up the human body become dependent a lot quicker than any person may realize or be willing to admit.

There is a solution to this matter. As awareness is growing, so is the variety of rehabilitation and therapy programs that can successfully get you back on track. Most treatment facilities are located in calm and pleasant settings offering basic amenities to high luxury for those with otherwise high standards.
However, many don’t know who or where to turn to, once they realize they need help and decide to get assistance. This can often make them and their families feel discouraged.
Fortunately, there are individuals who have been down the hard road and have found the path to recovery. They have a tremendous knowledge as well as training in how to speak with and address the challenges of any and every individual in this situation.

“Friends Helping Friends” is a program that was established for just this reason by the people who have been there and now want to use their expertise to help others. One of the founders is a member of Hatzalah and has seen first-hand what pains addiction can cause to the addict and his immediate family. They serve as matchmakers and are able to navigate the maze of rehabilitation options and insurance plans and deductibles that can seem so confusing.

From the moment a call comes in by someone seeking assistance, a personal representative is assigned to assist the individual by addressing the particular issues and discussing the various treatment options.
They assist with everything from insurance verifications and intakes to the smallest flight planning details and arrangements. FHF can customize your location needs, kashrus requirements, and help navigate payment options.

FHF can assist anyone anywhere in the country- who may be struggling with substance and/or alcohol dependency/abuse with referral and placement into treatment facilities.
All referrals are 100% confidential, most insurances are accepted and rehab facilities are located in comfortable settings-nationwide.

The “FHF” National Hotline Number is 866-343-3341 and is manned by a team comprised of counselors, case managers and therapists.

They work with individuals, their families, EAP’s, MAP’s, Human Resources, Social Workers, Therapists MD’s and individuals within the community and are here for one purpose: to assist those struggling with dependency and abuse by getting their lives back on track in good health and in good care.

If someone you know may be struggling, reach out, save a life and make a difference.

Counselors from FHF are also available to meet with or speak to groups to create awareness and discuss treatment options so that anyone who can be encouraged to seek assistance will be helped.

The “FHF” national emergency hotline number is 866-FHF-3341

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