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Addiction Rehab

Dr. Paula Rosca, Director of the Department of Substance Use Disorder Treatments, Ministry of Health;  Nir Sha'ar, Director of Addiction Treatment Frameworks, Ministry of Health
2 February 2026

Addiction is a chronic disease of the brain that cannot be cured in one go, but requires professional and long-term treatment, whether it is psychoactive substances or addictive behaviors. From the moment a person develops an addiction, the disease remains with them for life, and therefore the danger of relapse always exists. Rehab is the first step in the process, after which medical management and ongoing emotional treatment of the disease are required.

The detoxification process includes three main stages:

  • Physical detoxification
  • Mental health care
  • Social and occupational rehabilitation

Physical detoxification from drugs and alcohol must be carried out under medical supervision, due to the dangerous withdrawal symptoms, and lasts up to 3 weeks for adults and 3 months for young people.

It is also possible to perform detoxification in a clinical setting, but this is possible in mild to moderate cases and is conditional on the patient's cooperation and full willingness. If there is a supportive family, it is advisable to include them in the treatment plan in order to maximize the effectiveness of the treatment.

Behavioral addictions are treated mainly in outpatient settings. It is important to make sure that the institution has a valid license and is supervised by the Ministry of Health.

Although it is a chronic illness, under long-term professional treatment it is possible to achieve good results, quit addiction and return to a normative life with a high quality of life.

It is important to note: There are public and private inpatient rehab frameworks. It is important to make sure that the inpatient or treating institution has a valid license according to the law. Also, and contrary to what the public thinks, the care currently provided in public frameworks is of high quality and monitored more frequently than care in private settings.

Addiction, whether to psychoactive substances, such as drugs and alcohol, or to addictive behaviors, is characterized by harmful use that reaches the point of dependence and lack of control, difficulty quitting, withdrawal symptoms when stopping and reducing the amount of the substance or the frequency of the addictive behavior, and significant impairment in the normal course of life.

Rehab is a process that requires professional and medical assistance and support. Although there are dedicated treatment tracks for rehab from different types of addictions, for example, drugs and alcohol, painkillers, gambling, and sex, the rehab process is similar for all addictions, from substance addiction to harmful behaviors.

The treatment and rehabilitation process

The treatment and rehabilitation process is a long journey that includes several stages:

Physical detoxification

Detoxification from the addictive substance or behavior. In some cases, this is combined with supportive medication.

Psychological treatment

Dealing with the mental dependence and the emotional and psychological factors underlying the addiction.

Rehabilitation and return to function

Nurturing the abilities of the person who has undergone rehab and reintegrating him into society in a healthy and functional manner.

Withdrawal symptoms in withdrawal from psychoactive substances

  • Restlessness and irritability
  • Severe sleep disorders
  • Tremors
  • Mood swings and depression
  • Confusion and cognitive disorders

The physical detoxification process includes challenging symptoms, such as restlessness and irritability, severe sleep disorders, mood swings, and more. In extreme cases of heavy consumption, immediate stop can lead to life-threatening conditions, including loss of consciousness and seizures, requiring emergency hospitalization. Therefore, the detoxification process must be carried out under professional medical supervision, using supportive and complication-preventing drug therapy, which includes anticonvulsant medications, controlled alcohol substitutes, vitamin and mineral supplements, and medications to relieve withdrawal symptoms.

It is important to know

It is important to know

Addiction is a chronic disease of the brain. From the moment a person develops an addiction, the disease remains with them for life, and therefore the danger of relapse always exists. Withdrawal is the first step in the process, after which constant medical and emotional management of the disease is required.

Behavioral addictions

Behavioral addictions, such as gambling and compulsive sexual addiction, are treated primarily in outpatient (clinic) frameworks, which allow for the maintenance of daily functioning while receiving professional treatment. In more severe cases, you can contact social services and the HMOs that operate dedicated treatment settings.

Treatment frameworks

There are two types of treatment frameworks, each of which allows for a tailored response for each type of addiction and each population.

This framework is suitable for cases of:

  • Mild to moderate addiction problems.
  • Cases where the goal is to reduce use rather than completely stop (for example, reducing from four drinks a day to one drink).
  • People who have significant family and social support.
  • A relatively stable physical and mental condition.

Treatment includes psychotherapy using scientifically proven methods, such as motivational therapy, cognitive-behavioral therapy, trauma therapy, as well as medications that help reduce cravings and urges.

Duration of treatment: Up to 6 months, and sometimes up to a full year.

Read more about outpatient treatment

This framework includes accommodation and is suitable for cases of:

  • Severe to extremely severe addiction problems.
  • Long-term use.
  • Previous unsuccessful attempts at detoxification.
  • Medical complications, such as liver problems, cirrhosis, infections, or neurological complications.
  • The need to remove the patient from the place of consumption and the social circle that encourages use.

Duration of treatment: Several weeks, depending on the age, severity of the problem, and the general condition of the person undergoing rehabilitation.

For more information on inpatient treatment

Important to know

Important to know

According to the law in the State of Israel, every institution that treats people with drug addiction is required to obtain an operating license, so before applying to a rehabilitation institution, it is important to make sure that it has a valid license. Institutions supervised by the Ministry of Health are required by law to maintain medical confidentiality.

The rehab process is complex, sometimes it includes hospitalization in a detoxification center (including overnight stay) and sometimes the treatment is carried out in an outpatient setting. The treatment is a process that includes difficulties and challenges, but reality proves that with proper management of the disease and consistent treatment, it is possible to succeed in detoxification and gain a new life while overcoming temptations.