Since 1966, Narconon has claimed to provide remedies to addiction with unparalleled success. While a 50% success rate seems to be the standard for rehabilitation programs, Narconon boasts rates as high as 91%. Unfortunately, this a bold lie. Narconon’s success is completely unsubstantiated and for good reason – it’s methods are unsubstantiated.
Narconon and Scientology
Narconon was founded by L Ron Hubbard, the founder of Scientology and the author of Dianetics. Dianetics is a book that spells out L Ron Hubbard’s ideas and generalized hatred of established psychology and some aspects of medicine. It is not backed by evidence. Instead, it is the intuitions of a man who formed a cult surrounding his ideas that gained followers by providing them with a false sense of meaning to save (or ‘clear’) the planet.
Concepts in Scientology include classifying homosexuals as lesser human beings and fair game, which essentially means that Scientology can attack those who offend it by any means necessary. One example would be a hate website about Mike Rinder, a former Scientologist who now dedicates his life to speaking out against Scientology and giving a platform for others to do the same.
If there are any doubts as to whether Scientology is a cult, just click on the hyperlink of Mike’s name. That is a real website made by a real organization about one man. Anyone not in Scientology clearly recognizes how absurd the claims are, but the brainwashing is real. To those on the inside, it makes complete sense. That takes us back to Narconon, where that same thinking is applied to drug addicts.
To distinguish that Narconon is directly affiliate with Scientology is important. While not everywhere, Scientology is considered a religion by the United States. Many drug rehabilitation programs are done within the context of religions, be it Christianity, Judaism, Islam, or others. Regardless of the faith, these programs offer proven methodologies within the context of their own religions. As such, they provide predictable and personalized results for the addict. Addicts are in a vulnerable state. It is important that they are cared for by selfless people using tried and true methods. At Narconon, addicts are victims.
Addicts As A Victim/Tool/Number
It is important to understand that Narconon’s primary function is to generate positive press for Scientology. As such, the focus is not on curing individuals. It is about churning through people as quickly as possible, while still looking good.
The key is the definition of when someone is cured. While most rehabilitation facilities offer multi-step programs, Narconon offers a Scientology course. Any glimmer of hope is better than none for an addict. Scientology is known for offering basic courses at a low level that provide practical life advice. This entices people to pay thousands of dollars for more courses.
Not only are addicts not cured. They are sent in another poor direction and find themselves saddled with debt without ever having overcome their initial problem in the first place.