Episode 13: To Battling Addiction and Recovery

In this episode you will hear the tragic story of Stephanie Pollak who addresses a very under discussed yet prevailing issue within the Jewish community, drug addiction. Stephanie tragically lost her husband to a drug overdose and has decided to help others that may find themselves in the same position as her or her late husband. She travels around the globe and does many talks discussing and destigmatizing the issue amongst the Jewish community. She suggests there needs to be more awareness and compassion for those affected by the mental illness of addiction, and lift those around you that may need help the most.If you are having an issue with drug addiction please speak up to someone in your community and get the help that you need. You can also always reach out to me or Stephanie on Instagram, Facebook, or email her at [email protected] if you need any help. 1:00 Introducing Stephanie Pollak “Please share this with anybody who needs to hear Stephanie’s message, and I know that Stephanie is there for anybody who needs her” (2:15)4:15 Stephanie Speaking about Addiction “I share stories because when we share and we’re open and we’re vulnerable, that’s when people really can see themselves in their own lives” (4:35)6:10 Stephanie’s and her Late Husband’s Story“I was 7.5 months pregnant, and he basically sat me down and he said that he has a problem and I did not understand the extent of it at all” (6:25)8:00 Stephanie Opening Her to Eyes to her Own Struggles “I was hesitant because I didn’t have the problem (…) it took me until Pesach to really commit and start diving into Al-Anon” (9:35)10:15: Stephanie taking her own Initiative to receive Support“This was my medicine. This was my sanity, the support that I got in the rooms” (11:15)11:30 The pervasiveness of such a disease“I’m not the only one” (11:27)13:30 Advice for those struggling too“I think it’s important also to bring it up to the community leaders (…) that it doesn’t have to be a silent, private issue” (14:15)18:40 Forever gratitude for her husband“He’s always been number one on my gratitude list, even before he died” (18:50)