Retorno International · Israel

English-Speaking
Addiction Treatment

A residential program for men, with care shaped around you and a supportive, Torah-respectful Jewish community.

Near Beit Shemesh, Israel

A group on horseback in an open landscape
Outdoor riding, from Retorno’s activities

Getting to know the program

Treatment starts with understanding you.

People come to Retorno with different stories. We take time to understand yours: what you’re struggling with, what has helped before, and what you need now.

You’ll work with the team on a personal treatment plan. This includes looking at the emotional pain, relationships and experiences that may be connected to your addiction.

Core therapy takes place in English, so you can express yourself in the language you feel comfortable with. You’ll be part of a dedicated English-speaking group and share parts of daily life with the wider men’s community.

Could this be right for me?

The program is for men seeking residential addiction treatment in English. Whether this is your first time in treatment or you’re returning after a relapse, the first step is a conversation. The clinical team assesses your needs and whether this level of care is appropriate.

People seated outdoors listening to a speaker at sunset
An outdoor gathering from Retorno’s wider activities

The treatment approach

Support you can put into practice.

Sessions and activities are planned around individual needs and the program schedule.

Individual and group therapy

Our clinical team includes psychologists. Individual and group therapy give you space to talk openly, understand patterns and work through difficult experiences. Treatment also includes cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT).

Equine therapy and animal-assisted therapy

The program offers both equine therapy and animal-assisted therapy. Working with horses and other animals provides another way to take part in treatment, alongside conversations in the therapy room.

Art and culinary therapy

Art therapy offers another way to explore and express what you’re experiencing. Culinary therapy is also offered from time to time, bringing therapeutic work into the kitchen.

Personal training and yoga

Personal trainers support the physical side of the program. Yoga sessions are led by a PTSD specialist. Speak with the team about your needs and any concerns about taking part.

Recovery with others

12-Step work, peer support and everyday opportunities to practice honesty, responsibility and asking for help. Living in a therapeutic community gives you opportunities to work on relationships as difficulties arise.

Care for your mental health

Your plan takes emotional wellbeing into account, with psychiatric assessment and follow-up when needed. Tell the team about previous diagnoses, medication and current concerns so they can assess the care you need.

A lawn, trees and paths between buildings
An outdoor space at Retorno

Living at Retorno

What might a day here feel like?

There’s a rhythm to the day: meals, therapy, activities, shared responsibilities and time with the community. The schedule and level of responsibility develop as treatment progresses.

The work continues between sessions. Keeping a commitment, dealing with frustration or talking after a disagreement can become part of what you bring back to therapy.

Daily life takes place in a strictly kosher, Torah-respectful setting. Before you arrive, ask us about accommodation, what to bring, the daily routine and arrangements for contact with home.

Moving through treatment

Taking the next step forward.

Treatment has a structure, but your progress is personal. You and the team review what you’re working on and what needs more attention before moving forward.

Settling in

The first part of treatment is about getting used to the community, building trust and establishing a daily routine. It can take time to feel comfortable talking openly or asking for help.

Putting change into practice

As you progress, you take on more responsibility and work on the patterns that affect your relationships and recovery. Everyday situations become opportunities to handle frustration, accept feedback and follow through on decisions.

Preparing to leave

The team helps you think through the support you’ll need at home. This may include ongoing therapy, recovery meetings, outpatient care and a practical routine. Together, you look at likely challenges and who you can turn to.

For families and loved ones

You can ask for help, too.

When someone you love is struggling, knowing what to do next can be hard. You’re welcome to contact us, even if they’re unsure about treatment or you don’t know how to begin the conversation.

During treatment, family involvement may include guidance, conversations about boundaries and family therapy when appropriate. We plan this around the participant’s needs and consent.

You can ask what family involvement might look like, how contact is arranged and how to support the next stage of recovery. We’ll also explain what information can be shared with you.

Speak with us about your family’s situation

A message from the program director

Aharon Sopher, BSW

Coming to treatment is a big decision. You may be tired of trying, worried about leaving home, or unsure whether this time can be different.

I want you to feel that we see you as a person and take your treatment seriously. That means listening to you, being honest with you and helping you work through difficult moments. We’ll ask you to take responsibility, and we’ll work alongside you as you learn how.

A lot of that work happens in everyday life: over a meal, after a disagreement, or when you ask for help instead of handling everything alone. That’s an important part of what we build here.

Director, International Program

For referring professionals

Let’s discuss whether Retorno is the right fit.

If you’re a therapist, physician, social worker or another professional supporting someone with addiction, contact our admissions team to discuss a possible referral. Ask to speak with the clinical team about suitability and the level of care needed.

Useful topics for that conversation include the presenting concerns, previous treatment, current medication, mental health needs and goals for residential care. Each referral is reviewed individually.

With the participant’s consent, information from their treating professionals can help inform assessment and planning. Contact us first to agree what records are needed and how to share them, including any needs for continuing care after discharge.

Discuss a referral

Before you come

How to get started.

You can contact us for yourself, a family member or someone you’re supporting professionally.

  1. Have a conversation

    Tell us what has brought you to this point and ask your questions. A first conversation doesn’t commit you to treatment.

  2. Review your needs

    The team reviews relevant clinical and medical information, including whether detox is needed before residential treatment.

  3. Understand the arrangements

    Clarify the recommended plan, fees, what’s included and arrival arrangements. If you’re coming from abroad, complete the assessment before booking travel.

A glimpse of Retorno

People, place and community.

These photographs show activities across Retorno’s wider community. They offer a glimpse of the setting and shared experiences; activities in the English-speaking program vary with the treatment plan.

Your questions

A few things you may be wondering.

If your question isn’t here, ask us.

Is everything in English?

Individual therapy and core groups are in English. Some activities, meals and shared responsibilities take place with the wider Retorno men’s community.

Do I need to be religious?

Participants come from different religious backgrounds. Retorno is strictly kosher and Torah-respectful; we can talk through what that means for daily life.

How long would I stay?

That depends on your needs and progress. We’ll discuss the recommended length during assessment and review the plan with you as treatment develops.

Can I come from outside Israel?

Yes. Contact us before booking travel so the team can review your needs, relevant medical information and arrival arrangements.

What if I need detox first?

The team will assess whether you should begin in Retorno’s men’s detox facility before moving into the residential community.

What if I also have a mental health diagnosis?

Tell the team about diagnoses, current symptoms and medication during assessment. Suitability depends on your individual needs and the support the program can provide. Some situations require a different level of care.

Can I speak with or see my family?

Calls and visits depend on your treatment stage and clinical plan. We’ll explain the arrangements before admission.

What about fees and insurance?

Ask us for current fees and a written breakdown of what’s included and any additional expenses. Insurance coverage depends on your policy and needs to be checked with your insurer.

Can my therapist contact you?

Yes. Your therapist can ask about the program and referral process. Sharing information about your treatment requires your consent; the teams can discuss what is relevant to assessment and continuing care.

Taking the next step

Let’s talk about what you need.

Get in touch for yourself or someone you care about. We’ll listen, answer your questions and explain the assessment process.

Professional addiction treatment and prevention in a supportive Jewish environment in Israel.

English Program

Retorno

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