Retorno has two detox programs
- Elah – detox for women.
- Alon – detox for men.
Read more about detox options in Israel at Retorno.
Elah is Retorno’s medically supervised detox center for women who are struggling with drugs or alcohol. For women coming from abroad, the program is open to adults aged 18 and over. It is the first step in recovery: a safe place, away from the environment and the pressures that keep the addiction going.
Completing detox at Elah prepares a woman for the next stage of treatment and recovery. Elah alumni include women from the United States, Canada, Australia, the UK and other countries.
Elah provides both physical and emotional care, built on a group dynamic in which the group becomes the basis for healthy living. The women support one another and take responsibility for each other’s wellbeing. This mutual support is an important part of preventing a return to alcohol, drugs and risky behavior.
The therapeutic setting offers a safe place to learn how to face day-to-day challenges without turning to substances. The program builds self-awareness and social awareness, and strengthens the qualities that help each woman deal with her challenges in a new way.
The women live together with a structured daily schedule that includes a variety of activities that support a healthy life. The treatment approach is physical, clinical, behavioral and social.
Goals of detox at Elah
- Physical withdrawal from drugs and/or alcohol
- Starting the recovery process in a protected environment
- Understanding what led to the current situation
- Recognizing the behavior patterns behind the need to use
- Building motivation to change
- Learning basic tools for a healthy, clean life
- Learning to trust and to feel safe with other people
- Experiences that support personal growth, such as music, crafts, movement, horseback riding therapy and animal-assisted therapy
- Moving on, as quickly as possible, to continued treatment
At the end of detox, each woman is referred to the program that suits her best, such as Retorno’s residential rehab program or another framework.
Three stages of treatment
Stage one
- Physical withdrawal from substances, if needed, with full medical support throughout. Our physicians oversee the process, and a nurse is on site 24/7 to keep each woman safe and as comfortable as possible.
- Regular sleep and wake times, nutritious meals, personal hygiene and getting used to the protected environment
- Joining the group
Stage two
- Getting to know the therapeutic framework: group and individual therapy
- Identifying each woman’s needs, based on her personal history, past trauma, emotional state and level and type of substance use
- Becoming aware of the behavior patterns that led to losing control
- Working on relationships within the group and with the staff
- Working on emotions, self-image and the beginnings of self-acceptance
Toward the end of detox, an evaluation meeting is held with the woman herself, her family, the therapeutic staff and the person who referred her. Its purpose is to summarize the process so far and recommend the next step in treatment.
Stage three
After the evaluation, the focus is on internalizing what she has learned and preparing for continued care after Elah.
How long does detox take?
Detox at Elah usually takes 21 days to 6 weeks, depending on each woman’s needs.
Staff
Elah’s multidisciplinary team includes physicians, nurses, social workers and professional counselors. The team is led by:
- Sara Klimi – Inpatient Unit Manager
- Dr. Sveta Yeger – Chief Physician
- Noa Yitzhaki – Head Nurse
- Aviva Gershon – Social Worker
Elah is supervised by the Israeli Ministry of Health. Meet our full therapeutic team.
Admissions
For women coming from abroad, referral is usually made by the family or by a professional. After detox, women can continue to Retorno’s residential rehab program. Women who stay in Israel can receive ongoing support in the community through Retorno’s Mifgashim program. For women who return home, the Retorno staff works to arrange a “soft landing” and ongoing support in their community.
Through Israel’s public program, Elah also serves Israeli residents, including girls from age 12. Referrals for Israeli residents can be made by health and medical centers, social services, the Israel Prison Service, therapists, schools, family members, community members, or the woman herself.
To protect each client’s health and safety, our admissions team will guide you through the medical requirements before arrival.
Every woman who meets the criteria for Elah will be admitted as quickly as possible. We offer each woman our full professionalism, attention and care.
Contact us
Call us in the US at (646) 248-7297, or fill out the contact form and click Send.
