(Courtesy of Tikvah Lake) With overdoses, substance abuse and many forms of addiction making national news, the Jewish community has not been spared from those tragic headlines. Statistics are growing dangerously, with few lasting solutions to a problem that affects all Jewish denominations. After traveling to over 600 Jewish communities throughout the world, this catastrophic problem did not escape the attention of Dr. David Nesenoff, who this year opened Tikvah Lake Recovery, a unique oasis for those who seek to overcome their addictions.
“I learned that there was a 90 percent relapse rate of addicts who actually went to rehab,” Dr. Nesenoff said. “I knew that there had to be a better solution.” Nesenoff, along with his son Rabbi Adam Nesenoff, decided to infuse strong clinical treatment with Jewish traditional teachings. Together they established Tikvah Lake Recovery, a kosher Florida-licensed residential addiction rehabilitation facility. The 15,000-square-foot mansion on a lake provides multiple beautiful settings in which to receive treatment from a highly qualified medical and clinical team. Additionally, the grounds include an exquisite environment in which to pray, learn, enjoy Shabbat and holidays, eat healthily, boat, fish, hike, exercise, swim and reboot one’s life.
Among the unique characteristics of Tikvah Lake Recovery is that Dr. Nesenoff and his wife live at the facility full time, allowing for very personalized and protective care of the residents. This unprecedented aspect of the residents’ treatment plan, along with state health and fire departments’ inspections and permits, helps produce a safe, warm, home-like environment.
“There are a few basics we adhere to: confidentiality, dignity and a non-judgmental atmosphere,” Dr. Nesenoff noted. “And our three secret weapons to healing our residents are our incredible clinical director, our Jewish home and our 300-acre lake.”
In an attempt not to exclude anyone in need, Tikvah Lake Recovery has recently begun accepting insurance as well as offering patient financing plans. In contrast with many programs and facilities that attempt to serve 80 people at a time, Tikvah Lake Recovery limits their attention to a maximum of six residents seeking treatment for a myriad of addictions.
“The key is to not just stop the addict’s destructive behavior while he is momentarily in rehab, but to actually cancel that frightening relapse statistic as well,” Nesenoff said. “And we do that six souls at a time.”
Tikvah Lake Recovery offers a 24/7 phone contact: 954.644.5040. Their website is TikvahLake.com.
