The Dr. Miriam and Sheldon G. Adelson Clinic for drug abuse treatment and research at the Tel Aviv Sourasky Medical Center marked its 25th year on Thursday with a festive event.
At the event, which was attended by Dr. Miriam Adelson herself, it was revealed that the clinic has so far treated 955 patients. Women make up some 25% of the patients.
According to additional statistics unveiled at the event, some 75% of those who began treatment at the clinic continued their treatment for at least a year. Some 65% of those treated for addiction to painkillers were successfully rehabilitated.
During the event it was announced that the clinic will be receiving an upgraded facility on street level to replace its existing, below-ground location.
Sourasky Medical Center Director General Professor Ronni Gamzu spoke at the event, saying that "My wish is that the service we provide to addicts will become an exemplary model for other clinics."
"Unlike methadone distribution centers," he continued, "we provide a comprehensive holistic treatment that combines research. This is very different. I will do everything I can, with the support of Deputy Health Minister Yakov Litzman, to make sure the treatment offered by this clinic becomes the standard for other clinics in Israel. I think we can do it."
Public Security Minister Gilad Erdan congratulated Dr. Adelson and praised her work. "You have saved the lives and the dignity of thousands and helped thousands more family members," he said.
"The clinic has treated almost 1,000 patients with hard work, quietly and discreetly," Adelson said. "Here at the clinic, we achieve unbelievable things every day. Our treatment spares pain not only from the patient struggling with the disease of addiction but also from the families, who often experience suffering and loss as a result of this disease. We save them from becoming victims of crimes that people suffering from the disease of addition might commit. We prevent the spread of diseases like AIDS and hepatitis."
