Specialist outpatient treatment for alcohol, gambling and behavioral addictions; 4 locations.
Efshar (עמותת אפשר — “It’s Possible”) is a welfare NGO founded in 1981 by senior professionals from the Israeli welfare and education sectors. The organisation operates several programmes, including a dedicated addiction treatment unit specialising in alcohol and gambling addiction.
Efshar’s addiction unit — officially named יחידה לטיפול בנפגעי אלכוהול והימורים (Unit for the Treatment of Alcohol and Gambling Addiction) — has been providing outpatient treatment for over 30 years for alcohol dependence and over 20 years for problem gambling. The main office is located at Arlozorov 1, Ramat Gan, with additional branches including Jerusalem, Rehovot, and Rosh Pina.
Efshar’s addiction unit is a joint project with Mifal HaPayis (the Israel Lottery), which funds a direct gambling support hotline (1-700-500-888). The unit also hosts self-help groups including Gamblers Anonymous (GA) and a Steps group.
Efshar’s addiction unit focuses specifically on alcohol and gambling addiction. It does not specialise in opioid or drug dependence treatment. The following is based on publicly available information; confirm eligibility and availability directly with the unit.
Efshar’s addiction unit provides outpatient treatment for alcohol and gambling addiction. Services described on the public website include the following. Specific programme details at each branch location are not published individually.
Efshar’s unit has provided outpatient treatment for alcohol dependence for over 30 years. Treatment focuses on recovery from alcohol dependence and supporting a life without problematic alcohol use. Treatment is outpatient — clients attend sessions while continuing to live at home.
Efshar has been treating gambling addiction for over 20 years, making it one of the most experienced providers of gambling treatment in Israel. The unit offers a comprehensive service for problem gamblers that supports both recovery and rebuilding life after gambling addiction.
Efshar hosts Gamblers Anonymous (GA) meetings and a Steps group. These peer support programmes run alongside individual treatment and are available to anyone affected by gambling addiction. GA follows a 12-step model. Details of meeting schedules are not published publicly — contact the unit for current times and locations.
Efshar runs addiction prevention education programmes for youth and adults, in addition to direct treatment services.
In partnership with Mifal HaPayis (the Israel Lottery), Efshar operates a national toll-free hotline for people affected by problem gambling: 1-700-500-888. This line is available for initial enquiries and support.
Efshar’s addiction unit accepts direct contact from individuals and families. The following is based on publicly available information; confirm the current intake process with the unit before attending.
Efshar’s addiction unit operates from multiple locations including Ramat Gan (main), Jerusalem, Rehovot, and Rosh Pina. Contact the main unit at 03-6733228 to find the location nearest to you and to discuss intake at a specific branch.
To enquire about GA meeting schedules hosted by Efshar, contact the unit at 03-6733228 or via the gambling hotline (1-700-500-888).
Efshar is a welfare NGO. Its addiction unit is partially funded through a joint project with Mifal HaPayis. The exact payment structure for individual treatment sessions — whether sessions are covered by Bituach Leumi, health fund insurance, or paid privately — is not clearly stated on the website. Contact the unit directly to confirm current funding arrangements.
Recovery Compass listed Efshar based on its public websites (efshar.org.il and hitmakruyot.efshar.org.il). Individual branch details are not published. The following is not publicly confirmed:
Sources: Efshar official website (efshar.org.il) and addiction subdomain (hitmakruyot.efshar.org.il). Profile last reviewed: June 2026.
Gambling disorder is a recognised behavioural addiction. While it does not involve a physical substance, it shares many of the same psychological mechanisms as alcohol and drug dependence — compulsive behaviour, loss of control, harm to family and finances, and difficulty stopping without structured support. Efshar treats both alcohol and gambling addiction as serious disorders requiring professional intervention. Their 20+ years of experience in gambling treatment and the Gamblers Anonymous meetings they host reflect the depth of this specialisation.
Gamblers Anonymous is an international peer support programme for people with gambling disorders, modelled on Alcoholics Anonymous (AA). It follows a 12-step approach and runs as an open group where members support each other’s recovery. Attendance is free and anonymous. Efshar hosts GA meetings alongside its professional treatment services. Contact 03-6733228 or the gambling hotline (1-700-500-888) for current meeting schedules.
Yes. Efshar’s unit provides support to family members of people with alcohol and gambling addiction — not just to the individuals themselves. If your partner, parent, or child has a gambling or drinking problem and is not yet ready to seek help, you can still contact Efshar for guidance on how to respond and what support is available for you. Call 03-6733228 or the gambling hotline 1-700-500-888.
Efshar’s addiction unit has branches in Jerusalem, Rehovot, and Rosh Pina in addition to the main Ramat Gan office, but individual branch contact details are not published on the website. Call 03-6733228 to find the branch nearest to you and confirm current availability at that location.
Based on publicly available information. Confirm eligibility and intake criteria directly with the center before making any decision.
Contact the center directly to confirm current availability, intake requirements, and accepted payment. All information should be independently verified before making any treatment decision.
RecoveryCompass sources listing information from government registries, ministry publications, and public provider data. We do not guarantee accuracy or current availability. Verify all information directly with the center before making any decision.
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