RSS
Home | Organization | Narconon
|
|
|
Narconon is a residential program aimed at substance abusers, headquartered in Hollywood, Los Angeles, California. It operates through several dozen treatment centers worldwide, chiefly in the United States and Western Europe. Each Narconon center is independently owned and operated under a license from ABLE International, a Scientology-related entity. The program has garnered considerable controversy as a result of its association with Scientology and its drug addiction treatment methods. The hypothesis underlying the program is that drugs and their metabolites are stored in the body's fatty tissues, causing the addict's cravings when partially released later on, and can be flushed out through a regimen comprising elements such as exercise, sauna and intake of high doses of vitamins. This hypothesis does not enjoy mainstream acceptance, and mainstream researchers and practitioners tend to discount Narconon due to its connection with Scientology. Some practitioners have reported success with the program in reducing drug use, improving health, in aiding recovery, and influencing knowledge, attitudes and perception of risk of drug use. A peer-reviewed study published in 2008, co-authored by a former Narconon executive, asserted that the Narconon curriculum had a thorough grounding in substance abuse etiology and prevention theory, incorporated a number of tried and tested prevention strategies, and had proven successful in reducing drug use among youths. |
