Programa Victoria

Located near Marbella, Spain, Programa Victoria is a 10-day addiction retreat in a spa hotel. It was founded in 1984 by clinical psychologist Bernardo Ruiz Victoria and treats alcohol addiction, cocaine addiction, and other addictive behaviors. It is built for adults who need privacy and cannot leave work or family for months, including executives, professionals, artists, business owners, freelancers, and public-facing clients. Groups usually include 4-8 people, with a maximum of 8.

What Happens in Treatment

Before the retreat at Programa Victoria, clients complete video or in-person sessions to review medical, psychological, social, and motivation factors. The team confirms whether the short retreat format is appropriate. During the 10 days, clients stay at the hotel and take part in psychoeducation, cognitive therapy, relaxation practice, relapse prevention, and work on addictive thinking patterns. Care is handled by a therapeutic, medical, and psychological team. The program is available in Spanish and English.

Cost, Follow-Up, and Fit

The full program at Programa Victoria costs around €10,000 and includes intake sessions, the 10-day retreat, and at least one year of follow-up. Follow-up includes individual, family, and group sessions in person or online, plus phone and message contact. The program is not meant for people who need hospital detox, unstabilized severe mental health care, suicide-risk care, or a long-term dual diagnosis unit. In those cases, the team may refer the person elsewhere.