<HTML>Preventing substance abuse by Jewish young people and the rehabilitation
of addicted youngsters to healthy and productive lives are the goals of
Retorno International, an organization founded in Mexico in 1988 by Rabbi
Eitan Eckstein. Retorno International offers a new approach to the
treatment of drug addiction -- a fully integrated program of prevention,
withdrawal-recovery and rehabilitation, within the framework of the Jewish
community and its values.
The Time-Out Project
The "Time Out Program" was designed for youth, ages 13-16, as a part of a
comprehensive prevention program to be implemented in high schools or
community centers, under the supervision of specially trained
facilitators. The program is available in CD ROM format and is accompanied
by auxiliary support materials, designed to utilize the PC as the primary
learning tool. The program is user-friendly, age and
culturally-appropriate and contains a data base and resource-book based on
traditional, Jewish and universal values. The program was developed with
the support of Bar Ilan University staff and was translated into PC format
as an educational tool by Matot Multimedia.
Time Out was developed in Spanish and to date has been implemented in
several schools in Venezuela, Peru and Argentina. Special seminars were
organized by Retorno International in each community in order to present
the program's basic approach, train the facilitators and test the program
in real life situations. Following the enthusiastic responses elicited by
the program, it is currently being introduced in several South American
schools as well as in a select group of schools in Israel.
PROGRAM GOALS
Acquisition of modes of reasoning and improved decision making.
Enrichment of values and moral foundation of youth, using traditional
Jewish sources, Jewish and universal philosophers and thinkers.
Acquisition of factual knowledge on the issue of drugs and alcohol.
Reinforcement of individual ability to withstand negative peer pressure=
Discussion of popular myths related to the world of drugs and alcohol.
Acquisition of tools to cope with situations which invite the use of
drugs and alcohol through the practice of alternative responses.
TARGET POPULATION
The program is designated for 13-16 year olds but is characterized by a
high degree of flexibility which allows it to be used by slightly younger
individuals as well. The program can be conveyed in both formal and
informal educational environments.
Further information regarding this program may be obtained by writing
to:
benytzm@mail.biu.ac.il and I'll be happy to help you.
Meir Ben Yitzhak
[My understanding is that this program is available in English, as well.
Shalom]</HTML>
