Q: Why would someone from abroad come to a therapy program in Israel?
A: As of today there is no professional treatment center in the world that is geared specifically for Jews, and none with the religious atmosphere offered at Retorno. There is an added advantage of patients being far from their surroundings where they have previously used drugs or alcohol and are near people who can supply them with what they are trying to remove themselves from. When they are far away and nobody knows them they are able to start to work on themselves and progress through the therapy process.

Q: Are people from abroad treated together with Israelis?
A: Even though we believe it is important for them to be together with Israelis and to get to know them, we have organized a separate program for non-Israelis. The two groups are not only separated by a different language but by cultural differences as well.Staff for the group from abroad include professionals, social workers and counselors who speak English. Many of them are Americans.English speakers are also given the chance to learn Hebrew at our Ulpan classes three times a week. They get to know Israel as a country through our organized outings to holy sites and other areas of interest.
Q: How long does treatment take?
Treatment length for adults is 6-8 months.
Treatment length for adolescents is 10-12 months.

Q: Is there a partial treatment course available at Retorno?
A: Retorno strongly encourages a full treatment program to ensure effective, long term recovery. In some rare cases, there is a possibility of being accepted into an accelerated program which can take between 1 to 3 months.

Q: What is offered besides conventional treatment?
A: We have integrated different elements into our therapy in order to motivate and start the process of healing and move it forward. We offer different levels of horseback riding with authorized teachers, challenging sports including motorcycle riding, and a fitness room.We also incorporate different trips and hikes in the area, a region with beautiful scenery and rich with Jewish history. Retorno is situation between Tzora and Eshtaol, the place where the biblical Shimshon was born, judged, fought and died.

Go to Facilities for more information about additional activities.

Q: What is the importance of involving family in the treatment process?
A: The question is not whether to involve the family in the treatment process, rather when and in which situations.In many families there is much confrontation between young adults and their parents, and it seems impossible to bridge the gap between them. When they are separated from each other, the child is able to appreciate his parents and miss them. It is then that the natural child-parent bond is reawakened.After a month or two has passed, we invite parents to a week long therapy workshop. This format has proven itself many times over. It is also important to remember that at first the addict needs the space to work on himself on his own.

Q: What is the significance of Retorno as a Jewish center?
A: Retorno conducts itself with a Jewish atmosphere, stressing a religious environment for Shabbosim, Jewish holidays and as a general spirit. At Retorno we have yeshiva graduates who provide spiritual encouragement to those being treated, at their request.At the same time, Retorno is not an institution to help people return to Judaism and we do not force those in our program to keep mitzvot. About half of our staff and clients are not religious and it does not hold them back from loving and being part of Retorno. Our main philosophy is based on the 12-steps which encourages a connection to the spiritual world.
Q: Why would I choose Retorno above other rehab centers?
A: Retorno is a renowned and experienced professional center for psychological education. At Retorno we believe that addiction is used to escape an existing, underlying problem. Therefore, our treatment focuses on finding and treating the root of the problem which will in turn help with healing the addiction as well.

To make this healing process a reality for you or a loved one, please go to Admissions.