6th February 2020 • Sticky Post

Addiction Treatment in Israel: Why Addicts Are Looking Abroad

Israel has been developing a serious drug problem over the past few years. Neighborhoods like East Jerusalem and South Tel Aviv have been ravaged by epidemics of heroin use, while regions like Gaza, with constant stress and 45% unemployment, have led residents to turn to drugs in desperation. As increasing numbers of Israelis are diagnosed with PTSD and depression, the estimated 120,000 addicts in the country are likely to swell even further. While politicians and the media are beginning to recognize the severity of the nation’s drug problem, Addiction treatment in Israel lacks the resources to effectively combat substance misuse and addiction.

Israel has drug treatment facilities, but options in the country are limited. Individuals seeking new and alternative methods for ending the nightmare of addiction are forced to look abroad. Choosing a facility in another country has the added benefit of guaranteeing privacy, a valid concern in a nation where conservative thinking stigmatizes substance-dependent individuals. That’s why many people seeking addiction treatment in Israel are beginning to look abroad, where waiting times are reduced to nothing, addicts are treated in positive, non-judgemental settings, and a luxurious experience can be had without financially crippling fees.

Why Portugal has become a popular alternative to addiction treatment in Israel

Portugal was in the midst of an epidemic of heroin addiction when they made the dramatic decision to embrace the principles of harm-reduction and decriminalize the consumption of all drugs. As one of the architects behind Portugal’s new approach explains it: “We realized we were squandering resources. It made much more sense for us to treat drug addicts as patients who needed help, not as criminals.” By removing the threats of prosecution and incarceration, Portugal has reduced the stigma surrounding addiction, and the number of addicts receiving treatment has increased by 60% since 1998. The results the country has achieved simply by treating addicts with dignity and viewing addiction as a health issue has caused countries such as Canada, France, Switzerland, and Germany to embrace harm-reduction. Portugal’s clear-headed, compassionate approach to treating addiction makes it an ideal destination for those attempting to overcome substance-abuse problems.

Retorno, one of Israel’s leading treatment centers, has been accused by multiple former clients of subjecting them to dehumanizing and sadistic practices. The center’s “tough love” approach includes forcing clients to shovel manure and dress as babies when their behavior was deemed immature. While modern psychologists find these practices to be “ineffective and possibly detrimental”, Israel’s Ministry of Social Services deems isolation (Retorno had a punishment bench where transgressors were forced to sit for hours at a time in the desert sun), enforced silence, and anger therapy (standing in a circle of peers who are instructed to shout at and insult you) to be effective techniques for treating addiction. If you’re looking to be treated with dignity and respect, addiction treatment in Israel might not be your best option.

The Many Benefits Of Treatment Abroad

1) Environment

Leaving an environment full of familiar stressors and temptations can have a beneficial effect in treatment. And traveling abroad can bring a profound sense of relief and relaxation. Portugal is a picturesque country with a lovely Mediterranean climate. It’s dotted with quaint villages, ancient ruins, majestic castles, and miles of beautiful coastline. And there are few regions better suited to recovering your health than Portugal’s sun-drenched Alentejo region. A land of rolling hills and vast plains, the Alentejo offers visitors the opportunity to recover their health and connections to the natural world by riding horses, watching birds, stargazing, hiking, and cycling. Israeli visitors are especially appreciative of the temperate climate, peaceful lifestyle, and delicious regional fare. All while enjoying a rehab facility that rivals a luxurious resort or hotel for a fraction of the cost of treatment back home. You’ll disconnect from a toxic environment and share amazing new experiences with people from all around the world!

2) Privacy

While increasing numbers of people are coming to the understanding that addiction is a medical issue, there is still a significant social and professional stigma that comes with seeking treatment for substance abuse. If you head to Portugal, it’s easy to tell friends, family members, and colleagues that you’re off on a much-needed vacation and avoid awkward conversations and prying questions. There’s also no risk that someone will spot you emerging from a clinic or support group meeting and start whispering.

3) Promising Treatments Unavailable At Home

  

We’ve written a lot about the undeniable power of ayahuasca and iboga to combat the addictive properties of opioids and other drugs and to open the addicted mind to the idea of a positive transformation into sobriety. Because Portugal has decriminalized all drugs, promising treatments that cannot be obtained in a safe medical setting in Israel can be accessed here with the supervision of health-care professionals. If you think treatment that uses a psychoactive substance is your best option, we’d strongly recommend doing getting away from Israel, where strong anti-drug laws put you at risk of prosecution and incarceration. In spite of our belief in iboga's remarkable ability to interrupt addiction, we would strongly advocate against using it in regions where draconian laws force its use underground, creating potentially fatal health risks.

4) Easy Intake

When you’ve reached rock bottom, a treatment center that can quickly start the process of detox and recovery can be a life-saver. The prospect of waiting six-months for the in-patient treatment you need can be a heart-breaking, motivation-sapping roadblock. Addiction treatment in Israel is underfunded, one of the main reasons why an estimated 75% of addicts are not receiving treatment. Treatment centers abroad can immediately start the intake process, allowing you to strike back at your addiction when you’re feeling hopeful and motivated. This can make all the difference in the world!

Iboga Tree Healing House

At Iboga Tree Healing House we have a unique ability to accommodate clients from around the world with our welcoming, open-minded, and international staff. You’d be hard-pressed to find a treatment center more committed to the safety of their clients than Iboga Tree Healing House. We’re also deeply committed to maintaining a supportive and non-judgemental environment for facilitating recovery and personal growth.

In addition to offering iboga treatment, we also provide a wide array of holistic treatments, including breathwork, kundalini yoga, equine-assisted therapy, kambo, and more. All of these practices are extremely beneficial for re-energizing both body and spirit to pursue recovery. In combination with our ten-hectares of outdoor space, large terraces, and outdoor swimming pool, we let nature remind our clients to be grateful and receptive to new horizons and second chances. We have many testimonials from folks who’ve benefited immeasurably from experiencing our treatments in beautiful, sunny Portugal. If you’d like to experience treatment abroad, don’t hesitate to get in touch!