FEEL-GOOD FACTOR
Crossing
the Bridge
to Sobriety By Valérie Libens
“I’m passing the message to you; will you pass it on?” What started as a dream for Howard and Zalyia Silver has now become a bridge to normal living for people struggling with addiction. Somebody once told Howard Silver that by taking things one day at a time he would stay clean and sober. Almost 34 years ago he found hope and a way to beat his addiction. Having not had a drink or taken drugs since, he has fulfilled his dream to open a facility that would pass on this message. Located in a beautiful villa in Marbella, The Bridge provides personalised addiction treatment, designed around the patient.
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Team Family The Silver family, who have personal experience of addiction, have taken the time to recruit a team of highly qualified individuals who operate together and are passionate about helping people struggling with addiction. The intimate atmosphere makes guests feel at home, as if they are part of the family. Ali Silver is a nutritional therapist, has studied psychodynamic counselling and is a qualified eating disorder practitioner, helping patients at The Bridge and young people in schools to deal with body image, eating disorders and nutrition.
Ali’s husband, George Rose, is the House Manager and Sober Coach at The Bridge. A qualified and experienced behaviour change and recovery coach, his approach aims to break down the large and unmanageable issues into strategized, easy to complete targets. He uses motivational interviewing with The Bridge’s inpatients and he also travels to meet clients, and provides sober companionship for those who need it. He works with clients’ families and social network to best prepare them for sober living.