Narconon's Substantiation Rundown

The Church of Scientology is renowned for the bewildering array of front groups that surround it.

The most infamous one is Narconon, who happily promote a bogus therapy for drug addicts and alcoholics. Unfortunate and vulnerable victims are subjected to counselling, dangerous vitamin overdoses and countless hours in a sauna.

UPDATE, 21 Sep: The result of this complaint can be read here.

(Image credit)

Here in the UK, Narconon operate a Residential Drug Rehab Centre near Hastings. Eager for new custom - or should I say, "raw meat" - the Centre makes some rather unwise claims:

"Effective Solutions To Drug Addiction & Alcoholism Since 1966"

"Our methods have been tried and tested over 40 years. Most people say it is the easiest withdrawal they have experienced..."

"The effectiveness of the Narconon programme is documented by several formal studies and evaluations."

Are any of these claims true? Not according to all medical journals in the entire world, a search of which reveals no rigorous supporting evidence.

ASA complaint follows!

"The website makes a number of health claims which I suspect are misleading.

1. ( http://www.drugrehab.co.uk/ )

"Effective Solutions To Drug Addiction & Alcoholism Since 1966"

I'd like to challenge whether the claim that Narconon uses "effective solutions to drug addiction & alcoholism" can be substantiated, because I understand there is no published clinical evidence supporting such claims.

2.

"Our methods have been tried and tested over 40 years. Most people say it is the easiest withdrawal they have experienced..."

I challenge whether the claims "Our methods have been tried and tested over 40 years" and "Most people say it is the easiest withdrawal they have experienced" can be substantiated with published clinical evidence.

3.

"The New Life Detoxification sauna programme - The sauna programme produces spectacular results by removing drug residues and toxins."

I challenge whether the claim can be substantiated, because I understand there is no published clinical evidence supporting the claim.

4. ( http://www.drugrehab.co.uk/narconon_programme.htm )

"The premise of the NARCONON model is that a former addict or alcoholic can achieve a new life. This goal applies (and is routinely achieved)..."

I challenge whether the claim that a "new life" for drug addicts and alcoholics is "routinely achieved" with the Narconon programme can be substantiated.

5. ( http://www.drugrehab.co.uk/narconon_detoxification.htm )

"Effective Solutions To Drug Addiction & Alcoholism Since 1966 - Narconon - New Life Detoxification sauna programme... The sauna part of the Narconon programme dramatically reduces the levels of drug residuals and toxins in the body. An exact daily regime of nutritional supplements, supervised exercise and periods of time sweating in a dry sauna are used to rid the fatty tissues of these drug residues and toxins..."

I challenge whether the claims "The sauna part of the Narconon programme dramatically reduces the levels of drug residuals and toxins in the body" and "An exact daily regime of nutritional supplements, supervised exercise and periods of time sweating in a dry sauna are used to rid the fatty tissues of these drug residues and toxins" can be substantiated.

6. ( http://www.drugrehab.co.uk/narconon_detoxification.htm )

"Completion of this portion of the programme results in greatly reduced, or eliminated, cravings for drugs. Mental alertness and clarity of thinking improve; while drug-induced depression often vanishes."

I challenge whether the claim that the Narconon programme "results in greatly reduced, or eliminated, cravings for drugs", the claim that "Mental alertness and clarity of thinking improve", and the claim that "drug-induced depression often vanishes" can be substantiated.

7. ( http://www.drugrehab.co.uk/narconon_detoxification.htm )

"The graph depicts cocaine residues being excreted in the sweat and urine of clients participating in the Narconon New Life Detoxification Programme..."

I challenge whether the graph is misleading because it does not appear to be connected to any published clinical research.

8. ( http://www.drugrehab.co.uk/narconon_drug_free_withdrawal.htm )

"Our experience has shown that a person receiving a vitamin and mineral therapy will experience a far more comfortable withdrawal from all drugs including opiates. On the Narconon Withdrawal a person regularly takes a special dose of vitamins called a drug bomb and every 6 hours is also given Cal-Mag (a drink combination of calcium and magnesium) to restore any vitamin deficiency and to relax cramping muscles. The Cal-Mag also helps a person rest during the withdrawal."

I challenge whether any of these claims can be substantiated. I'd also like to challenge whether the promotion of a course of vitamin overdoses is irresponsible, given the known dangers of vitamin overdoses.

9. ( http://www.drugrehab.co.uk/graduate_success.htm )

"The effectiveness of the Narconon programme is documented by several formal studies and evaluations."

I challenge whether "The effectiveness of the Narconon programme" has been documented by any formal studies or evaluations whatsoever.

I've made some screenshots of the relevant pages, which are available at:
http://leicester.skepticsinthepub.org/FishBarrel/ci.aspx?id=rXTBBBQJ1E
http://leicester.skepticsinthepub.org/FishBarrel/ci.aspx?id=LA3dm83Iio
http://leicester.skepticsinthepub.org/FishBarrel/ci.aspx?id=BrmZdw6rAj
http://leicester.skepticsinthepub.org/FishBarrel/ci.aspx?id=JOxA41Tqjy
http://leicester.skepticsinthepub.org/FishBarrel/ci.aspx?id=JOxA41Tqjy
http://leicester.skepticsinthepub.org/FishBarrel/ci.aspx?id=dAckF8E7ZJ
http://leicester.skepticsinthepub.org/FishBarrel/ci.aspx?id=U7bg5fxLoF

I can confirm that I have no connections with the advertiser."