FAQ

When is enrollment open in Retorno?

Enrollment at Retorno is open on а rolling basis. When you are ready for recovery, Retorno is ready to receive you. Click here for more information on admissions and fees.

Why would someone from abroad come to a therapy program in Israel?

Israel is a leader in rehabilitation and recovery from substance abuse. Being in Israel, and being in Retorno, means that you are in an environment where resilience is nurtured. Click here to learn more about rehab in Israel. With almost thirty years of experience in recovery from addictions, Retorno may be able to help you achieve long-lasting recovery.

There is an added advantage to being far from home – you are, by definition, far away from the place where you developed your illness, far from people who can supply you or tempt you. Distance enables you to work on yourself and progress through the therapy process.

What’s with the horses?

The evidence shows that horseback riding provides special benefits for addiction recovery. The interaction between horse and rider creates a whole dimension beyond the benefits of ordinary physical exercise. At Retorno, if you wish, you’ll have plenty of opportunities to ride.

Many of our clients find themselves drawn to the horses in ways they couldn’t have imagined. Participants can earn certification as a Therapeutic and Western Horseback Riding Instructor. Call us to learn more if you are curious about the role horses can play in long-term recovery. If you have other addiction recovery questions, contact Retorno today.

What do you mean by “↻ Reset and Restart Your Life at Retorno”?

At Retorno, we have created a whole ecosystem to help you restart your life. Situated in a bucolic rural setting, Retorno provides an environment that removes distractions and helps you embrace the 12-Step program and recovery. Natural beauty, the opportunity to spend time outdoors, horses, animal-assisted therapy, and the support of the skilled therapeutic team at Retorno all combine to help you reset and restart your life. Click here to read more about restarting your life – and get ready to ↻ reset and restart.

Are people from abroad treated together with Israelis?

The International Program is comprised of English-speaking clients from all over the world. It is staffed by professionals who are primarily native English speakers, including social workers and addiction counselors. The program includes animal-assisted therapy, horseback riding therapy, art therapy, DBT, and intensive group support. Years of experience have taught us that the greatest power in recovery is that of the group. Therefore, while the main therapeutic groups are in English, there is also much time spent with the larger Israeli group, and they share the same dormitory rooms, meals, and other therapeutic groups.

How long does treatment take?

English speakers are offered an accelerated program of 4 months, after which they determine with the care staff the best course of action. The full course of treatment is 6 months for men and 7 to 8 months for women.

What is offered besides conventional treatment?

Retorno integrates different elements into treatment in order to jump-start the healing process and then keep it moving forward. There are different levels of horseback riding with certified instructors, challenging sports including mountain biking, and a fitness room. We also incorporate different trips and hikes in the area, a region with beautiful scenery and rich Jewish history. Retorno is situated between Tzora and Eshtaol, the place where the biblical Samson was born, judged, fought, and died.

What is the importance of involving family in the treatment process?

The question is not whether to involve the family in the treatment process, but rather when and in which situations. In many families, there are many confrontations 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 even miss them. It is then that the natural child-parent bond is reawakened. This formula 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.

For non-Israelis, Retorno offers Family Week, under the supervision of Ellie Katz (Psychologist, Addiction Treatment Specialist, Licensed Family Therapist, and Lecturer at Hebrew University).

What is the significance of rehab in a Jewish environment?

Retorno conducts itself with a Jewish atmosphere, stressing a religious environment for Shabbat, 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. Our main philosophy is based on the 12-steps which encourages a connection to the spiritual world.

What is the Jewish atmosphere at Retorno?

Retorno is strictly kosher. Much of the staff are observant and are in tune with the experiences of Jewish clients and recovering addicts from religious and Haredi backgrounds. We encourage clients to seek their own spiritual grounding and we encourage clients to reconnect with their families when possible. 

Why would I choose Retorno above other rehab centers?

Retorno is a world-renowned, 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. When healing takes place, addicts can then learn alternative strategies and behaviors so that when faced with challenges, they will not revert to their old ways. Above all, Retorno’s family atmosphere is warm. Our favorite Hebrew word is “ohavim” – we love you!

Have more questions?

Reach out today to learn more about treatment at Retorno. Click here to ask now.