Narconon International (commonly known as Narconon ) is a Scientology organization that promotes the founding theory of L. Ron Hubbard regarding the treatment of substance abuse and addiction. Its parent company is the Association for Better Living and Education (MAMPU), owned and controlled by the Church of Scientology. Headquartered in Hollywood, California, USA, Narconon operates several dozen residential centers around the world, primarily in the United States and Western Europe. The organization was formed in 1966 by Scientologist William Benitez with the help of Hubbard. Benitez contacted Hubbard after reading his book, Scientology: The Fundamentals of Thought and Narconon was founded in 1970.
While both Churches of Scientology and Narconon state that Narconon is a secular program, independent of Scientology, and that it provides legal education and drug rehabilitation, Narconon has been described by many government reports and former patients as the front of the Church Scientology group.
The program has garnered much controversy as a result of its origins in Scientology and its methods. Her drug rehab treatment has been described as "medically unsafe," "shamanism" and "medical fraud," while academic and medical experts have rejected her educational program because it contains "factual errors in basic concepts such as physical and mental effects, addiction and even spelling ".
Hubbard's article, underlying the program, states that drugs and metabolites are stored in body fat tissue, addicted to addicts when partially released later, and can be excreted through a regimen known as Rundown Purification, which involves exercise, saunas and high-dose vitamin intake. This hypothesis is contrary to experimental evidence, and is not medically accepted.
The Narconon facility has been the site of several deaths, some of which are related to the lack of trained medical personnel on site. There are no independently recognized studies that confirm the efficacy of the Narconon program.
Video Narconon
Histori
Origins
Narconon was founded on 19 February 1966 as a drug rehab program based on L. Ron Hubbard's book Scientology: The Fundamentals of Thought, and sent to a drug abuser in Arizona State Jail. The name "Narconon" was originally not referred to the organization but to the program.
The creator of Narconon is William C. Benitez, an ex-convict in Arizona State Jail who has served time for narcotics offenses. His work was supported by the founder of Scientology L. Ron Hubbard, and in 1972 Hubbard sponsored the incorporation of Narconon as an organization. It was co-founded by Benitez and two Scientologists, Henning Heldt and Arthur Maren.
Even before Narconon became established, Scientology and Dianetics were promoted as providing drugs for drug addiction. In 1970 Pastor John W. Elliot, senior minister of the Church of Scientology and chair of the Drug Abuse Prevention team, announced that "Dianet Counseling" had "totally recovered 30 of 30 people" who came to the Church of Scientology for help.. Pastor Elliott also reported that Dianetics can cure fever, asthma and arthritis.
In the early days of Narconon, no distinction was made between the 'religious' and 'secular' branches of Scientology; Narconon is considered by Scientologists as an example of Scientology in action. "Narconon, with the Scientology program, is another example of the work ability of Dianetics and Scientology," said a follower in 1970. "The program has been expanded and used in all churches and Scientology missions."
The Narconon website reports that Narconon's keynote is that "... the individual is responsible for his own condition and anyone can improve his condition if he is given a workable way to do it... humans are basically good and that is pain, suffering, and the loss that led him astray. "This positioned the program as a rehabilitation approach without the aid of alternative medicine. However, these early programs were not directly related to withdrawal symptoms. In 1973, the Narconon program adopted a procedure to incorporate drug withdrawals freely.
21st century
A number of celebrities have proved openly that Narconon is very helpful in their own lives. Musician Nicky Hopkins and actress Kirstie Alley have been citing Narconon for their recovery from drug and alcohol addiction. Alley has since become a public spokesman for Narconon. The New York Rescue Workers Detoxification Project has used the Hubbard sauna detoxification regime in an effort to improve the health of rescue workers exposed to toxic substances from 9/11, although the results are debatable. Toxicologist Dr. Ronald E. Gots describes the Narconon/Purification Rundown program in its 1987 report on its use by California firefighters:
Treatment in California preys on the worker's fears, but does not serve a rational medical function.... In addition, the program itself, developed not by doctors or scientists, but by the founders of the Church of Scientology, has no recognized value in the established medical and scientific community. This is shamanism.
In 2004 and 2005, WISE at Work magazine and International Scientology News each published article clarified the relationship between Narconon and Scientology; each placed Narconon in Scientology's 'Division 6B', with responsibility for introducing the public to the Scientology service.
At the end of 2005, according to the International Scientific Association, Narconon operates 183 rehabilitation centers worldwide. New centers opened that year include Hastings, England (now closed), and Stone Hawk, in Battle Creek, Michigan. Narconon President Clark Carr confirms that the drug prevention lecture "has been awarded to over 2 million children and adults for decades.. and is currently being shipped throughout the United States, all New England, Washington DC, Georgia, Florida, Oklahoma and surrounding states, Michigan and Illinois, Texas, New Mexico, Idaho, California, Nevada, Hawaii and possibly others "in response to questions from The Humanist.
On July 17, 2006, Narconon Center, Narconon Trois-Rivieres (Three-Rivers) based in Canada, started a website on narcodex.ca. Narcodex is a wiki that supposedly contains drug information. The domain name Narcodex.ca is owned by ABLE Canada, an organization under Scientology. Funding for the website comes entirely from Narconon Trois-Rivieres, which also controls the content on the site. The center is closed by local health authorities in 2012.
In July 2013, Narconon proposed to acquire 150 acres of Hockley, the Ontario estate of Donald Blenkarn, who had died the previous year. Narconon plans to turn the plantation into a drug and alcohol rehab center, but it attracts widespread opposition from residents opposed to the presence of a rehab center, and the special presence of Narconon and Scientology. The Blenkarn family finally chose to sell to an unknown person in the community below the asking price, and turned down a counter offer from Narconon.
In January 2014, Narconon instituted a Hubbard-based detoxification program in Annapolis to treat veterans who suffered from war conditions in the Gulf. This treatment is funded by the US Department of Defense through a September 2010 grant of $ 633,677 awarded to the University of Albany at New York State, where David O. Carpenter serves as director of the school's Institute for Health and Environment and the chief investigator of the program.. In December 2014, seven Gulf War veterans completed the program. It is administered on a 7-day schedule per week, with a complete regimen in 33 days. The purpose of this program is to find out whether Hubbard's program has a scientific basis for therapy and whether it is effective in relieving symptoms and improving the functional status of Gulf War veterans whose pain and physical anxiety improve after completing the program. Carpenter asserted that the program was effective in its own care.
Maps Narconon
Narconon and Scientology
His affiliation with the Church of Scientology has made Narconon himself the focus of controversy. The organization has never denied that many of its administrators are committed Scientologists or that its methods are based on the teachings of L. Ron Hubbard.
In the early days, Narconon used an unchanging Scientology material in his program, and Scientology executives run the organization (the founders of Heldt and Maren are high members of the Church's public relations department known as the Guardian Office).
In April 1970, Scientology spokesman Max Prudente described Narconon as, "Based solely on the philosophy and teachings of Scientology", claiming an 85% success rate.
However, when Narconon promoted its drug treatment services to various government jurisdictions in the US, the organization repeatedly found itself amid controversy when Scientology connections were raised by journalists or politicians.
The relationship with Scientology raises questions about the constitutional suitability of government agencies sponsoring organizations affiliated with religion (see Lemon v. Kurtzman ). These problems are intensified by the claim that medical treatment programs are unhealthy and many allegations that Narconon's treatment program functions as a fundraising and recruiting program for the Church of Scientology.
In the late 1970s, Scientology was anxious to deny his relationship with Narconon. When the FBI raided the Scientology office on July 8, 1977, a confiscated paper revealed that Scientologists were instructed to refer Narconon and other "front groups" using the code name:
The code should be used for front group names that we do not want to connect with C from S and for anything that gives actual and actual evidence that C of S is the legal control of group B6 [which Narconon is one].
In the 1990s, Narconon took pains to deny all links to Scientology; in 1994 John Wood, head of Narconon UK, denied any connection between Narconon and Scientology, saying, "I know beyond a doubt that Narconon did not recruit or promote the Church of Scientology", despite the final stage in the Narconon process for patients at the time. "Routes to Org nearest (Scientology organization) for further services ", but in 2001 Scientology spokesman Graeme Wilson described Narconon as Scientology's" charity affiliate ".
The 1-5 March 1998 series Boston Herald reveals how two groups related to Scientology, Narconon and the World War, conducted anti-drug programs and learned to read to gain access to public schools without disclosing them. their Scientology ties. Heber Jentzsch, president of the Church of Scientology International, said in an interview that Rundown Purification saved his life, confirmed after the Herald report was published that the Los Angeles church law office had hired a private-investigation firm to investigate the personal life of reporter Joseph Mallia, who wrote this series. The Herald records many other instances over the years in which journalists are harassed with "noisy investigations" after writing stories that expose Scientology.
In Montreal, Narconon employees describe themselves as' FSM's, the Scientology abbreviation for Field Staff Members, while in the US state of Georgia a memo released under a court order shows Narconon director Mary Rieser reporting directly to the Office of Church Scientology Special Affairs as well as the organization parent ABLE.
Drug rehab program
Since its founding, Narconon has faced great controversy over the safety and effectiveness of rehabilitation methods and the association of organizations with the Church of Scientology. The medical profession has been very critical of the Narconon method, which relies on the theory of drug metabolism that is not supported by major toxicology. Narconon teaches that drugs are in body fat, and remain there indefinitely; and that to recover from drug abuse, addicts can remove drugs from their fat through the sauna and use of vitamins. Medical experts disagree with this basic understanding of physiology, saying that there is not a large amount of drugs stored in fat, and that drugs can not "sweat" as Narconon claims. In a 2005 report, scientific experts state that Narconon's treatment method "does not reflect accurate and widely accepted medical and scientific evidence."
Specific criticism has been directed at the use of therapist's vitamins (including large doses of niacin) and extended sauna sessions.
David Root, an occupational medical practitioner and member of the Narconon Scientific Advisory Board, defended the validity of the program. He told the San Francisco Chronicle in 1991 that other drugs and toxins "come out through the skin in the form of sebaceous, or fat, sweat.The ingredients are often seen and dripped, or rubbed with a towel." This apparently explains the need for "daily doses of vitamins, minerals, and oils, including niacin."
The "New Life Program" consists of two main stages: "detoxification" and "rehabilitation". The New Life Detoxification Program, adapted from Hubbard Purification Rundown, consists of six elements: sports, saunas, supplements, adequate fluids, regular diet with fresh vegetables, and enough sleep.
Each US patient spends an average of 3 to 4 months at Narconon, with costs ranging from $ 10,000 to about $ 30,000.
There are over 200 beds at Narconon Arrowhead, according to John Bitinas, who is part of the public relations staff for the facility. Asked whether the drug was used to help the patient through withdrawal, he said that "Narconon is a free drug, which means we do not use replacement drugs as part of our rehabilitation process." All patients were assessed at enrollment to determine whether they were "psychiatrically or medically eligible for the level of care we offer here.If they are found to require higher level care then Narconon is eligible to be offered at the time, they are referred to the facility "If patients need drugs to treat physical conditions such as diabetes, infections, etc., they are prescribed by Narconon's doctor, who is part-time but available on-call 24-hour, according to Bitinas.
Overview
The detoxification program is based on Hubbard's theory that "a small amount of the drug [and its metabolites] stored in fat are released in the future causing the person to re-experience the effects of the drug and want to use it again." According to Narconon, exercise helps release toxins from body fat when fat deposits are burned for energy while simultaneously releasing chemicals through sweat, sebum (produced by sebaceous glands of the skin), and regular bowel movements.
Narconon is not a medical model. The Narconon program rejected the model of disease addiction, and its program literature has described the terminology used by the model as debilitating the patient. The Narconon model is based on the idea that "when given efficiently and caring it helps to learn new personal life skills and to improve its ability to solve personal problems, including physical addiction, recovering addicts can achieve a true and lasting recovery." It rejects the notion that addiction is an "incurable disease," trying to show that "with proper rehabilitation education and life skills, an alcoholic or other drug addict can in fact recover permanently from an addictive disability."
Narconon's treatment program follows the "social education" model of drug rehabilitation. The program takes four to six months and includes a detoxification regimen that includes "aerobic exercise, dry-sauna sweats, hydration and nutritional supplements, life skills training, and personal plans for life after graduation." The main premise of detoxification regimens is that "activation of drug residues stored in the body can lead to drug addiction to former drug users so tempting relapse." Narconon's detoxification regimen is designed to remove drug residues from the body of drug users and thereby reduce the cravings that may be caused by this residue. "
Experts from major pharmaceuticals and toxicology have repeatedly argued that Hubbard's method has no validity: "a person from a pharmacological point of view strongly questioned the idea of ​​using forced sweat to remove drugs from the body," says Professor Folke Sjoqvist in a 1996 report to the Government Sweden, while the Oklahoma Mental Health Board report from 1990 stated that, "Although the number of minutes of some drugs can be found in sweat, the amount represents a small fraction of drug elimination".
In a statement about the death of Patrick Desmond in Georgia's Narconon, expert witness Louis A. Casal was questioned by plaintiff's lawyer Jeff Harris:
Narconon asserts that methadone, amphetamines, methamphetamine, morphine, copper, mercury, and other toxins, some consumed years before, leave the body in a sweat. This is in contrast to the retention view of the body's drugs taken by the main science, which has found that most recreational drugs leave the body within a few days (with the exception of cannabis, which in frequent use cases can remain in the body for up to a month).
Niacin
According to Narconon, vitamin and mineral supplements are needed to overcome nutritional deficiencies and offset the loss of nutrients due to sweating. Another key element in the program is the use of niacin, which Hubbard believes enhances the mobilization of free fatty acids, and the inclusion of polyunsaturated fats that it thinks will increase the excretion rate of some toxin compounds. Along with the right amount of sleep, this regime is considered by Narconon to mobilize and eliminate toxins stored in the long run.
Narconon's "drug bombs" included a dose of niacin 4000Ã, mg/day. The risk for patients taking high-dose niacin is one of the reasons why medical experts judge the Narconon program has found that it is harmful to patients; The Narconon program has been banned in a number of jurisdictions including France and Quebec.
Because the doctrine of Narconon dictates that patients undergoing the program exhibit physical symptoms related to drugs that (should) be 'sweating', and because the Narconon staff do not meet medical requirements or are normally eligible in the rehabilitation of orthodox medicine, there is a risk that a serious medical symptoms - from niacin overdose, or from other causes - can be misconstrued by Narconon staff as a detoxification effect desired:
The Narconon program exposes its patients to the risk of delayed withdrawal phenomena such as seizures, delirium and/or hallucinations.... The Narconon program presents potential risks for patients of the Narconon program that delay the withdrawal phenomenon such as seizures, delirium or hallucinations occasionally seen several days after discontinuation of drugs such as benzodiazepines, may be misconstrued by Narconon non-medical staff as a drug- fat during the procedure period sweat sauna out. There is also a potential risk that the reported experience of drug effects being misused during the sweat release program may be the result of symptoms of misinterpretation of hyperthermia or electrolyte imbalance...
Training Routine
The remainder of the Narconon course using "Training Routines" or "TRS" was originally designed by Hubbard to teach communication skills to Scientologists. In the Narconon variant, these courses claim to be designed to rehabilitate drug abusers. These training routines sometimes include TR 8, which involves individuals who order ashtrays to "stand up" and "sit", and are grateful for doing so, as hard as they can. Former Scientologists say that the purpose of this exercise is to let the individual "shine" their "intentions" into the ashtray to make it move.
Benefits
Narconon usually claims a success rate of 75% of Narconon's drug-free graduates for the rest of their lives, and in the past claimed "very close to a 100% success rate". However, these figures are highly controversial, and no independent study supports this claim.
Independent researchers have found a much lower success rate. At least one critical site from Narconon cites a Swedish research study that gives a rate of 6.6%. Narconon has reported the same research findings as far more profitable, although his research representation is greatly simplified.
The Church of Scientology claims that "the success rate of Narconon is not only the highest in the world, it is four times better than the international average", while a systematic review of evidence of the efficacy of Narconon undertaken by the Norwegian Knowledge Center for Health Services on behalf of the Norwegian Directorate of Health conclude that:
Collectively, one experimental pseudo study and five non-experimental studies lacked evidence of the preventive effect of the program. Thus, there is currently no reliable evidence for the effectiveness of Narconon as a primary or secondary drug prevention program. This is partly due to a lack of research evidence about Narconon and partly because of the non-experimental nature of some of the existing studies.
In April 2014, the Wyong city council denied permission for Narconon to open a new center in Yarramalong, New South Wales, saying that Narconon's method of treatment was a factor in the decision. Wyong Mayor Doug Eaton said:
In order to be allowed in the area it should be defined as a hospital and there is not enough material to show it could be so defined because my understanding of the rehabilitation process was that it was more of a religious process than it was a medical process.
Study on sauna detoxification program
A 2011 report by Gerald H Ross and Marie C Sternquist, "Methamphetamine exposure and chronic disease in police officers" showed a significant improvement with Hubbard's detoxification-based therapies. The report concludes that investigations show that "utilizing saunas and nutritional therapies may reduce the chronic symptoms that appear after exposure to chemicals associated with methamphetamine-related law enforcement activity."
Educational program
Florida
In 1999, Scientologists from Clearwater, Florida tried to get Narconon's drug education program installed in the Pinellas County school district. Upon hearing about this issue, the school-district committee refused to allow students to participate in anti-drug programs based on the founder's teachings of Scientology L. Ron Hubbard, citing that teaching students about Scientology "tone scales" and other ornaments is inappropriate for drug education programs for their school.
California
In 2004, Narconon offered an anti-drug program to a public school in California, free of charge. A series of articles in the San Francisco Chronicle on June 9 and 10, 2004, resulted in California school officials investigating Narconon's claims. The study found that the Narconon program does not reflect medical and scientific-based practices and that it offers students misleading information about drug use and abuse.
As a result of the investigation, on February 23, 2005, state public instruction inspector Jack O'Connell officially recommended that all schools in the state reject the Narconon program. Secretary O'Connell announced that the school system in Los Angeles and San Francisco had canceled the program. Narconon's president, Clark Carr, responded that the study only provides limited information about the work of the organization, and that the effort is "accurate and relevant to the current challenges facing children with drugs."
A May 2014 investigation by the San Francisco Chronicle found that some California schools still use the Narconon program, regardless of its rejection in 2004 by the San Francisco Unified School District. Steve Heilig, one of the experts who evaluated Narconon's educational program on behalf of the school district, found it to be scientifically unscientific, urged schools to check the accreditation of drug education programs before allowing them access to students, saying "One necessity of educational medicine is that we are not deceiving students, because once they find that you are not telling them factual information, they tend not to believe everything you say ".
United Kingdom
British prison ombudsman prison recommended to prison governors that the Narconon rehabilitation program was not used in prison although some British schools were using the program; The Sunday Times says this is because schools are less aware of Narconon's relationship with the Church of Scientology.
In September 2012, 149 Church of England dioceses in London were warned not to accept the offer from Narconon to give lectures to their students, following complaints from parents.
In November 2016, Narconon was reported to have lectured on the dangers of drug addiction at two schools in Camden, London. Elizabeth Kitcatt, principal of Camden School for Girls, said in a statement that the students found the conversation "very useful," while Harry Shapiro, Director of DrugWise, called for schools for not being aware of the group's relationship with Scientology. A spokesman for Brecknock Primer said: "The vice principal is in the room for a whole discussion of drug consciousness and there is no point in any mention of Scientology or religious connotations.It is marketed as an anti-drug talk and that is what it really is." President Narconon UK Noel Nile claimed that the group was "in the business of saving lives" and that their drug education initiatives were well received by students and teachers.
Study Cecini/Lennox
In 2008, Narconon executive Marie Cecchini published, with Richard Lennox, a paper claiming that Narconon's education program reduces drug use among young people. However, the study was funded by Narconon's parent organization, MAMPU, and subsequent correspondence in the same journal confirmed that the study's conclusions contradict its own data: that the control group "is more likely to withstand the pressure to take drugs" than Narconon. group.
Deaths
Jocelyne Dorfmann, Grancey-sur -Ource, France (1984)
In 1984, a 34-year-old French woman named Jocelyne Dorfmann died of an untreated epileptic crisis while undergoing treatment at the Narconon center at Grancey-sur-Ource (near Dijon). The center's assistants were punished for lack of assistance to someone in danger and Narconon's center was closed.
Medical experts report that his death was caused by "epileptic seizures due to insufficient initial treatment and emergency care during seizures". Narconon's staff failed to summon medical help, as a result of Dorfmann's death. Paride Ella and Giuseppe Tomba, Valsassina, Italy (1995)
In 1995, two young men, Paride Ella (22) and Giuseppe Tomba (26) died suddenly in the center of Narconon in Taceno, Valsassina. Paride Ella died of acute renal failure (symptoms consistent with niacin overdose), while the cause of death recorded for Giuseppe Tomba was a heart attack.
Both patients experienced the same symptoms, vomiting and diarrhea, a few days before their death. The youths died within days of each other, in so-called 'detoxification' (ultra-high doses of niacin and other vitamins, multiple plural saunas) from the Narconon program.
The Narconon Center lacks medical staff and is unable to - in both cases - to diagnose the seriousness of their condition. Before the death, the village mayor had asked for the Narconon center to be closed.
Federation X, Torre dell'Orso, Italy (Federica X, 2002)
In Italy, a 33-year-old Italian woman patient from the center of Narconon at Torre dell'Orso died in the same condition in 2002.
Federica died of peritonitis, according to his autopsy. He first started suffering from abdominal pain on Monday, October 7, 2002, and was taken to the first aid center at Meledugno, where he was given painkillers. She was taken to the hospital the following night, where she died soon after being treated in a coma.
Narconon's patient Giovanni Costa then stabbed a staff member Rodolfo Savino, whom Costa claimed to have neglected Federica's symptoms, and gave him inadequate medical help. Costa was arrested and charged with attempted murder.
Patrick Desmond, Norcross, Georgia, United States ( 2008)
Patrick W. "Ricko" Desmond, a former US Marine Corps member, died at Narconon Georgia on June 11, 2008, aged 28 years, due to a heroin overdose.
His family accused the wrongful death and filed a lawsuit against Narconon, claiming that Narconon's actions led to his death, and that Narconon wrongfully claimed as a licensed inpatient program.
Channel 2 News Atlanta says that:
The evidence includes documents with Narconon letterhead with the word "outpatient" when reporting Patrick's death to state investigators, but letterhead on a letter sent to Florida court eliminated the word "outpatient".
The Desmond family paid Narconon $ 30,000 for his treatment. Georgia Narconon Director Mary Rieser commented to a reporter:
There are things people do for themselves. Of course it's sad.
The lawsuit between Narconon Of Georgia and the Desmond family was completed 'out of court' in February 2013, three days before the jury election is scheduled to begin.
The settlement follows harsh sanctions against Narconon by court judge Stacey K. Hydrick, who said in a court order that Narconon Of Georgia has:
Deliberately, deliberately and repeatedly misrepresented and misled the request of the claimant's discovery in relation to the matter related to the settlement of the case.
and that it:
Repeatedly fail to produce, and on some occasions falsely deny the existence of clear and relevant documents and information.
Judge Hydrick drew Narconon's response to the allegations of the Desmond family, which meant that if the case had not been resolved then the claims of the Desmond family would essentially be opposed by Narconon.
Narconon International denies having any connection with Narconon of Georgia, although the documents disclosed in the Patrick case show that the Narconon Georgia executive director Mary Rieser reported to Narconon International, to the Office of Special Affairs of the Church of Scientology, and to ABLE (Narconon International's parent corporation), his report the night of Patrick's death:
On June 10, 2008 the student was watching a basketball game at the end of the night with Brad in his apartment. They consumed tequila and the students gained access to the cash that should have been locked in the apartment. The sad thing happened later in the night. Two days later we tested Brad and he was dirty for methadone, PCP, cocaine and methamphetamine.
Death at Narconon Arrowhead, Oklahoma, USA ( 2009-2012)
In August 2012, the Pittsburg County Sheriff and Oklahoma Mental Health Department, together with the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation initiated a death investigation at Narconon's Arrowhead facility, following the death of three patients in a nine-month period.
The investigation included the last death of four patients: Stacy Dawn Murphy, aged 20, who died at Narconon Arrowhead on July 19, 2012; Hillary Holten, 21, was found dead at the facility on April 11, 2012; Gabriel Graves 32, who died there on October 26, 2011; and Kaysie Dianne Werninck, 28, also a patient at Narconon Arrowhead, who was found dead on March 3, 2009.
Following the attention of the media around the death, the National Association of Forensic Counselors permanently revoked Certified Chemical Dependency Counseling certification from several employees of Narconon Arrowhead including director Gary Smith, and in August 2013 the Oklahoma Mental Health Service Abuse Department permanently revoked the facility permit for medical detoxification after Narconon has spent all his way to protest the decision.
In August 2013, Inspector General Kim Poff, and investigator Michael DeLong, from the Oklahoma Department of Health and Drug Health Mental Health, who has investigated the deaths that occurred at Narconon, terminated their employment. No reason was given for the cessation, but the investigating lawyers claimed (after termination of their employment) that both were dismissed wrongly, saying: "Their termination, in part, relates to the Narconon Investigation".
Narconon in Oklahoma
Narconon began operations in Oklahoma in 1990, as an unlicensed facility at the Chilocco Indian Agricultural School site near the city of Newkirk, claiming that it does not require a state license, as it operates on Indian reservation. In 1992 it was applied to state licenses, and twice rejected by the Mental Department of Mental Oklahoma, which found "no evidence that drug and alcohol abuse education is part of the program" and states the program "medically unsafe", the decision for which the interpreter Narconon's talk, Kirstie Alley replied, "The arrogance and irresponsibility of the mental health council will not survive the anger of thousands of parents, graduates and supporters of the scientific community".
During the period 1989-1992, Narconon (through Scientology lawyer Tim Bowles) filed a lawsuit against the Oklahoma Mental Health Council and Substance Abuse, its members, and local newspaper editor Robert Lobsinger (who has written about Narconon's Scientology relationship). Narconon contacted 12-year-old son Mayor Newkirk in a library, and hired a private detective company to research Narconon's opponents, causing people to fear reprisals if they spoke against Narconon.
A Narconon spokesman was quoted by The New York Times as describing Narconon's criticism in Newkirk as "in favor of drug abuse... They are connected by selling drugs or using drugs."
Narconon achieved an exemption from the requirements for state licensing in 1992, as a result of approval from the Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facility. Scientologist David Miscavige commented on the case in an interview with ABC News Nightline, saying, "There are a group of people on this planet who find us a threat to their existence, and they will do everything in their power to stop and that's the mental health field, I do not choose a war with them. "
In 2012, paid advertisements on Oklahoma Gazette contain allegations from previously unknown groups named "Oklahomans for the preservation of domestic security and American values, (ohsav)" [ sic ]. The ad refers to a recent TV news story about Narconon and Scientology, named after some of Narconon's critics in Oklahoma, and accused the critics of having "subjected their individuality [them] to hate for hatred", had an "agenda of religious intolerance," discrimination racial or insulting American corporations, "and blame them for the" public disinformation campaign against blacks, Jews, Muslims and Scientologists. "The ads show the characteristics of the Scientology" DA flier ".
Kaysie Dianne Werninck
The parents of Kaysie Dianne Werninck, who died at Narconon Arrowhead on March 3, 2009, filed a lawsuit against the center claiming his death was "a result of the gross negligence [Narconon] of the accused". The case was resolved.
Gabriel Graves
Gabriel Graves, who died at the facility in October 2011, is the subject of an open record request made for the Oklahoma State Mental Health Department by the Tulsa World newspaper, which discloses reports on the use and distribution of medicines at the center. His autopsy results note the cause of his death as 'unknown'.
Hillary Holten
Hillary Holten, whose parents filed a lawsuit against Narconon Arrowhead, was accused by her parents of having died of a lack of medical care. Their lawsuit states that he "has a history of Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia, a condition requiring daily administration of Dexamethasone and in extreme circumstances, liquid cortisone injections", and Narconon Arrowhead not managing his medical condition properly. Gary Smith of Narconon refrained from comment, adding that "there is a federal right to privacy laws that prohibit us discussing anything about former clients."
Stacy Murphy
Stacy Murphy's father said that Narconon officials told him that when his daughter was found dead in a detox room, she had not been checked for two and a half hours. "It's too long, if they think he's overdosed, why do not they have someone with him all the time?" he said, adding, "We sent him there to be better, not to die". Gary Smith, the director of the facility, responded in an emailed statement that, "It's always very sad when a drug addict takes a life or destroys a family.... For families, the pain of losing loved ones and addiction is unimaginable."
A patient who lived at Narconon Arrowhead at the time of Stacy's death said, "There is no doctor there, no nurses on staff.Nothing like that there... Staff, they are all ex patients.... My understanding is that everyone there is pretty much a former patient... Drugs that will save Stacy's life are not available or nobody knows how to administer them. "Now she's afraid of retaliation for talking to the police and the media:" I'm afraid for my life. "
Stacy's roommate, Destanie Ramsey, called the police on the night of Stacy's death to leave Narconon Arrowhead, where she said she was being held against her wishes.
Public and media responses
The protests over death have taken place outside the center of Narconon; on 23/24 June 2012, a protest, planned to include an abandoned family member, was disrupted by off-street placement work, paid for by Narconon. Pittsburg County Commission Chairman Gene Rogers explains that, "He (Gary Smith) called me and said they might have trouble with the community over the weekend and he wants to help keep an eye on the area and he asks about overlaying."
Oklahoma State Senator Tom Ivester commented that, "Obviously there is something untrue and we have a moral duty to do everything in our power to end this predatory business run by the Church of Scientology disguised as an anesthetic," adding, "This is a disgusting business that preys on desperate family members and sick loved ones, cheats them with thousands of dollars with the promise of new life and hope it's a shame if these people operate in the state of Oklahoma. "In direct response against the death of Arrowhead, Ivestor introduced legislation to expand Oklahoma's ability to set up rehabilitation facilities.
In response to NBC Rock Center's report on the facility, Narconon's President, Clark Carr, called his criticism of Narconon "fanatic", and described Narconon as "the last chance to live a decent, honest, drug-free life."
Controversy
Country code violation
The Narconon facility in California was quoted repeatedly for violations by state inspectors. Violations include unauthorized drug delivery, drinking alcohol at the facility, and not having proper beds for clients. Narconon has also sought to silence opposition, including sending letters to neighbors from the proposed facility in Leona Valley, California threatening legal action for criticism. The inhabitants of the Leona Valley fear that Narconon will increase the crime. The local city council recommended an eight-foot security fence and an independent security, which Narconon officials rejected.
March 2013, Narconon Arrowhead - National Forensic Counselor Association President Karla Taylor told The McAlester News-Capital that CEO Gary Smith and employee certificates were repealed earlier this month. Taylor said he could not say why the certificate was revoked.
In Clearwater, Florida, the endorsement of the Los Angeles County Public Social Services Department, which Narconon proposed to support its application to state licenses for an anti-drug education program, was found to be fraudulent.
Investigation in Russia
In April 2007, it was revealed that the general procuratorate office of the Southern District of Moscow had begun an investigation into the activities of Narconon in Russia. The Moskovsky Komsomolets daily newspaper reported that the legal proceedings began against the head of the clinic "Narconon-Standard", for violating the prohibition in Russian medical practice. Russian law enforcement became interested after receiving many complaints from residents about the high fees charged by Narconon. Narconon's office in St. Bolshaya Tulskaya, Moscow were searched, and unidentified documents and drugs were confiscated.
In April 2008, as part of an investigation in Ulyanovsk into the Church of Scientology, police searched Narconon's office in the town of Dimitrovgrad. Narconon_Trois-Rivi.C3.A8res_closed_by_Quebec_health_authorities "> Narconon Trois-RiviÃÆ'¨res is closed by the Quebec health authorities
On April 17, 2012, Quebec health officials ordered Narconon in Trois-RiviÃÆ'¨¨res to close, and relocate its 32 inhabitants. After an investigation into the activities of Narconon Trois-RiviÃÆ'¨res by the Quà © aème d'Arà © rà © ment (independent body that monitors the quality of health care), the Department of Health and Social Services of the Mauricie Region decides not to return. the Narconon certification due to their concern that his method "might represent a patient's health risk".
The agency's director, Marc Latour, said that Narconon Trois-RiviÃÆ'¨res was dangerous to patients, who violated many of the criteria governing rehabilitation centers in Quebec, and that there was no medical supervision and no scientific basis for care. He added that at least four clients have been hospitalized in recent months due to the methods used at the center.
Narconon Trois-RiviÃÆ'¨res issued a response, saying, "People with drug problems and their families should have the right to choose a program that suits them because these days there are many good alternative programs".
The closure followed a 2-year campaign by former Narconon patients and staff members David Love, whose negative experiences at Narconon encouraged him to become one of Canada's most violent critics. When he was at Narconon Trois-Rivieres, Love reported that,
staff members withhold insulin from diabetic patients undergoing sauna treatment. The young man ended up in hospital for three days, Love said. In another [incident], it [Narconon] takes a patient antidepressant. He jumps from a second-floor window in a suicide attempt.
Prior to the closure of the center, Narconon had alleged that Love's allegations were fictitious and that he had been bribed to make them; Andre Ahern, Director of Legal Affairs Narconon Trois-Rivieres, said:
It is very surprising to me that Love now attacks the very group [Narconon] which, according to the previous statement saved his life. He changed his mind, apparently, after he started receiving payments from members of the Anonymous network.
Love is one of five former Narconon patients who have filed complaints with the Quebec Human Rights Commission, alleging that their drug addiction was exploited by Narconon, in recruiting them into the program and getting them to do manual labor while taking part in it. Love also alleges that Narconon Trois-Rivieres earned about $ 16 million for Scientology between its opening in 2005 and a forced closure in 2012.
President Narconon Clark Carr stated that the facility was closed because the province changed the stance of "what kind of rehabilitation would be tolerated" to "medical, drug substitution, and so on." Narconon was told that they would have to get the license back, but would only be approved if the treatment method was changed.
Pur Detox suicide attempt
In September 2012, Pur Detox, the Narconon branch, was sued in Orange County, California for negligence, medical malpractice, and negligent supervision.
William Sweeney, the plaintiff, "sustained severe personal injuries" after a suicide attempt, jumped from a third-floor balcony at a clinic, in Dana Point, California.
Sweeney's complaint alleges that he has been removed from the psychiatric medication prescribed at the facility, and this is what led to his suicide attempt.
Heber Jentzsch's capture
In December 1988, the president of the Church of Scientology, Heber Jentzsch, was arrested in Spain after an investigation into Narconon resulting in (then over) allegations that he and the Church of Scientology had deceived the citizens of Spain and running its center with unqualified staff.. The judge in the case said at a press conference after the arrest that Scientology's only deity was money, and he compared the church to a pyramid scheme in which members paid large sums of money. He says that Narconon cheated his client and lured them into Scientology. In 1989, 75 Scientologists in Italy were arrested and investigations showed that "drug addicts pay a heavy monthly fee to Narconon, who advertises himself as a drug rehabilitation and healing center, but does not get a reply." By the end of 1991 the court found no evidence to support prosecutors' allegations that drug rehabilitation and other programs sponsored by the Church of Scientology in Spain amounted to forbidden meetings aimed at activities such as robbing people's money. In April 2002, the allegations were formally canceled. The court also ordered that guarantees of the deposits for release in 1988 be returned to the Church along with interest, which is almost twice the original amount.
Slatkin fraud
On November 8, 2006, the Associated Press reported that Narconon was one of the Scientology groups who will pay back the $ 3.5 million total illegal funds from EarthLink co-founder Reed Slatkin:
Slatkin, once an ordained minister of Scientology, paid $ 1.7 million from his scheme directly to the Scientology group, while millions of dollars were channeled through other investors to church-affiliated groups, insolvent bankruptcy R. Todd Neilson said in court filings. Among the church groups to receive bad results from the Slatkin scheme are Narconon International, Church of Scientology Celebrity Center International and Church of Scientology, Western United States, the filing said. The $ 3.5 million returned by church groups is the result of a negotiated compromise, Scientology lawyer David Schindler and Alexander Pilmer, a lawyer for Neilson, said. [1]
Narconon's head was deported from Kazakhstan
In July 2008, Narconon's head in Kazakhstan was deported: Kazakhstan Justice Minister Zagipa Baliyeva announced that "foreigners from the United States, Georgia, South Korea and Japan have been deported from the state by law enforcement agencies and in accordance with the court's decision to violate the rules concerning people's stay foreigners and perform missionary activities without registration, in particular, with a further ban on entering Kazakhstan for five years, the head of the Narconon public charity affiliated with the Church of Scientology has been deported, "he added. "27 cases were found in which heads of non-traditional religious organizations violated laws on freedom of conscience and religious organizations, in particular, materials that propagate radical ideas and non-traditional religious teachings were confiscated from them".
Plagiarism website graphics/layout plagiarism allegations
In January 2001, Narconon was attacked when they appeared to copy the entire layout and design of Urban75.com webzine website for their website heroinaddiction.com and cocaineaddiction.com, among others. The Urban75 editor posted a copy comparison, indicating that Narconon had not even deleted the hidden javascript code Urban75, unique to Urban75. The Register notes the irony of this scandal, quoting a critic who writes, "Scientology has sued countless individuals and organizations allegedly [sic] for 'copyright infringement' and the organization claims loudly that they are at 'Foremost in protecting proprietary information on the Internet '. "
Narconon Georgia closed in the middle of an investigation for insurance fraud
In April 2013, Georgia and Gwinnett County insurance agency agents, Georgia District prosecutors' office ransacked group offices in Norcross, Georgia, questioned employees as they arrived at work and seized more than a dozen computers and boxes full of documents. The State Insurance Commissioner said during the investigation that "We have credible information indicating that insurance fraud occurred with Narconon".
The family of one patient said that the group charged the insurance company for the treatment that had never been given, and the doctor who charged the fee claimed to have never met the patient.
State researchers found nearly $ 3 million insurance fraud at Narconon Georgia; in September 2013, the facility gave away state licenses to avoid criminal charges.
Narconon in California sued
In March 2014, lawyer Ryan Hamilton filed two civil lawsuits with the State of California.
The first civil suit was filed on behalf of Angelo Amato from Illinois who purchased Narconon Purification Rundown at the Scientology facility known as Narconon Fresh Start (aka Sunshine Summit Lodge) In Warner Springs, California, after Amato searched the internet for a drug treatment facility and believed. a false claim allegedly by Scientology supposedly derived from an "independent consultant" website. Amato claims to have been tricked by $ 31,000 and started the Narconon program only to find that it's really Scientology being practiced, alleging that no drugs are actually offered at the facility.
A second civil lawsuit was filed on behalf of the plaintiff Christie Estrada and Branden Chavez of New Mexico who also researched the "drug treatment facility" on the Internet and was allegedly tricked by Narconon Fresh Start to pay $ 33,000 before the Scubaology Purification Rundown process could be applied, with Narconon Fresh Start allegedly asked for $ 23,000 of the fee in advance in cash. The defendants in this case are also Narconon Fresh Start.
The plaintiff's main complaint covers the spectrum of alleged criminal offenses by Scientology that includes insurance fraud, the denial that Narconon is Scientology, a fraudulent claim that Narconon's staff are medically trained in drug treatment, and a number of other false claims.
Narconon in Nevada sues
In February 2014, lawyer Ryan Hamilton filed an additional civil lawsuit with the State of Nevada.
Michael Tarr, a former heroin addict and a client of Narconon, and his mother Cathy, who borrowed money to pay Narconon for his participation, sued Narconon Fresh Start for fraud, breach of contract and negligence. Tarrs claims that while living in Narconon, Michael Tarr did not receive detoxification treatment but indoctrination to Scientology, and asked the court to punish them for compensation as well as to refund Narconon's $ 33,000 fee and legal fees.
The plaintiff Tarr's lawsuit follows closely behind the previous civil lawsuit filed by Hamilton on behalf of David, Stacy, and Jack Welch of Texas who also alleged that Narconon Fresh Start committed contract violations, fraud and negligence.
In April 2014, Hamilton filed another suit against Narconon Nevada, this time on behalf of Harry and Lauren Geanacopulos and their son Peter. The Geanacopulos family complaint argues that the Narconon program content and success rates are misunderstood to them and that it has no genuine medical or scientific foundation.
Hamilton claimed to have an internal Narconon document showing that Narconon was used as a "bridge" to introduce clients to Scientology.
National Association of Forensic Counselors suit
In May 2014, the National Association of Forensic Counselors (NAFC) filed suit in Oklahoma, naming Narconon, Church of Scientology and 80 other defendants. NAFC is the body that certifies to drug abuse counselors. Submissions request an order to prevent Narconon from using NAFC trademarks, certifications or logos - it is also seeking redress.
The filing alleges that Narconon and the other defendants conspired to:
deliberately misusing NAFC logos and trademarks and fake certifications that should be obtained through NAFC or ACCFC to misrepresent the credentials of their employees and volunteers to promote the Narconon Network.
happened to claim Narconon's:
deliberately misused (and continue to be misused) the NAFC Plaintiff's logo, trademark and certification to advance the goals and objectives of the Church of Scientology International. In particular, the Plaintiff claims that such misuse is taken into account to enhance the credibility of Narconon Care Center and its affiliated counselors, and to extend the reach and advantages of the International Scientology Church against Plaintiffs losses
Grand Jury in Oklahoma
On 05/Jun/14, one-time employee Narconon, Eric Tenorio, issued a summons to appear in front of the Grand Jury multi-county in Oklahoma State investigating allegations of insurance fraud and credit card fraud committed at the Narconon Arrowhead facility that Scientology calling "the drug rehabilitation facility in Oklahoma." The Grand Jury is empowered to submit State and Federal criminal charges and to summon current and previous employees, agents and operators of the facility.
The Grand Jury investigation of Narconon Arrowhead's Scientology facility came shortly after Tenorino filed documentation with the State of Oklahoma and with the National Association of Forensic Counselors who also investigated claims made by Scientology on their website that resulted in the NAFC filing its own civil suit. against 82 named defendants working for Narconon.
Fort Collins Colorado
At the Scientology facility operating under the name "A Life Worth Living" there have been many law enforcement calls, medical emergencies and other related requests for emergency services reported under the Freedom of Information Act's publicly available demand. on the Scribd document server detailing the various incidents recorded from Scientology cooperatives that refused to allow customers to leave, refused to return their property, and many customer incidents made 911 calls to police disturbed by Scientology operators.
Narconon also markets and operates the Narconon facility under other names, in part to hide them as part of Scientology. There is also a drug rehabilitation group affiliated with Scientology based on Purification rundown.
- Blue By The Sea in Emerald Coast, Florida, is the name of the former Narconon Bay Beach.
- Drug Free Ambassador is a Narconon program targeting schools and youth organizations.
- Fresh Start is a pseudonym that is sometimes used by the Narconon center in Nevada.
- Ending Drugs Naturally is the business name for the Australian branch.
- Israel Says No to Medicines is an organization affiliated with Scientology based in Jaffa.
- Pur Detox (also PÃÆ'¼r Detox with umlaut) is a clinic affiliated with Scientology in Dana Point, California. The clinic got the spotlight due to a lawsuit by one of the former patients.
- The Rainbow Canyon Rehabilitation Center , Rainbow Canyon Retreat or just Rainbow Canyon is the name of the Narconon center in Caliente, Nevada.
- Say No to Drugs Say Yes To Life or Yes for Life, Not for Drugs is a front group for Narconon and Scientology, organizing street races and festivals to support Narconon.
- Sober Living in Orange County is a refining reference operated in the Orange County Orcology Organization itself.
- Suncoast Rehabilitation Center is the trade name or subsidiary of Narconon Spring Hill Inc., California. The center gets the spotlight from local authorities for their patient housing. The nearest Novus Medical Detox Center , though not directly affiliated with Scientology, is operated by the owner of the Suncoast center.
- Teen-anon or Streetcats is the Narconon program at the Narconon Vista Bay facility.
- The Truth About Drugs and The Drug Free World Foundation is a slogan in which Scientology and Narconon advertise their programs while hiding their Scientology origin,
Although not directly related to Narconon, the New York Rescue Workers Detoxification Project and The Second Opportunity Program are both affiliated with Scientology and also use
Source of the article : Wikipedia
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