At Retorno, we believe that most addictions are caused by an underlying reason that has driven the addict to attempt to escape his own reality using substances or other addictions. Through detoxification and treating the addiction, our professional staff helps the addict reach the source of is or her problems. The objective of our therapy is to ovecome the addiction and cure its underlying cause.

Teenage boys and girls participate in our year-long drug withdrawal program in small groups of around 15, supervised by three counselors, a coordinator and a social worker, who work shifts around the clock. Their main purpose is to lead the group, encourage the members to bond with each other, and build up the framework of group therapy.

At the same time, each patient also receives individual therapy. A professional staff member determines the nature and frequency of treatment, which is adapted to the rate and nature of the patient’s personal progress.

A key component of our success at Retorno is that some of our staff are themselves former addicts, often graduates of our treatment programs. They relate to the patients in a compassionate, non-judgmental way, with unconditional love and acceptance, as well as a total dedication to the patient’s recovery. Once a week, Retorno’s staff meets to determine the best way to help each patient recover.

Treatment Assumptions

Our treatment is based on five assumptions:

1. A young person who hurts others has previously been hurt himself
2. Change is possible
3. The group is the main agent of change
4. Drug and alcohol abuse is a solution to the unbearable pain of living that progressively becomes a problem in and of itself
5. The 12-step program is the most effective way to aid in the recovery from the disease of addiction

Phases of Treatment at Retorno

During their time at Retorno, patients go through four phases of treatment:

BEGINNERS: The purpose of this phase is learning the basic rules of life and accepting the therapeutic framework provided at Retorno.

PHASE 1: During this phase, the patient learns and socializes with others from within a hierarchy system that has clearly defined boundaries. He develops interpersonal communication skills and learns to change problematic behavior patterns.

PHASE 2: When the patient reaches this phase, he becomes a “house graduate”. This essentially means that he has to take responsibility for himself and others, helping his peers and being in charge. Phase 2 teaches the patient to take personal responsibility for his own life and how to maintain emotional stability in the long term, even while under pressure. It helps the patient to build a system of mature relationships with his friends and family, involving mutual support and assistance.

PHASE 3: This phase marks the transition that the patient undergoes before he leaves our therapeutic community and goes out into the world at large. Through it, he follows a step-by-step transition into an occupation and life in the real world. At this point, the patients reside outside the therapeutic community, provide assistance and support for others, and serve as role models for younger, newer patients.

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