Q: What does "Narconon" mean?

Narconon comes from two Greek words. "Narco" means drugs and "non" means "no". So Narconon means "Drugs-No!".

Q: What is the Narconon philosophy on Addiction?

At Narconon we believe an individual can cure him or herself of addiction to alcohol and other drugs through application of the Narconon Program. We have proven this can be done successfully for more than 30 years. Our success rate is around 70%.

Q: How did the Narconon program start?

Narconon was founded by William Benitez in Arizona State Penitentiary in 1966. Mr. Benitez was a heroin addict who could not seem to get off drugs using traditional forms of treatment. Utilizing the techniques of humanitarian researcher L. Ron Hubbard, Mr. Benitez was able to get himself and other inmates off drugs. This was the beginning of the Narconon program. Today, Narconon has more than 50 centers internationally.

Q: What does NON-TRADITIONAL mean?

Most treatment centers use a combination of 12 step recovery and group therapy in an effort to handle addiction. While some people respond to this type of treatment, factually speaking, most do not. This means that 1 or 2 out of 10 people who go through traditional treatment may end their drug or alcohol problem. At Narconon, approximately 7 out of 10 people permanently conquer their addiction after completing the program.

Q: How is the Narconon program different from other drug treatment programs?

The Narconon program addresses 3 areas that are not intensively treated in more traditional programs. These areas are:

1. Physical detoxification - Long-term use of addictive drugs can cause an accumulation of drug residues and metabolites in the body. These residues can remain in the body for years, causing drug and alcohol cravings and drug-induced depression. Narconon uses the Hubbard method of detoxification to remove these residues, resulting in an individual who is free of the harmful physical effects of mind-altering drugs.

2. Life-Skills - Many people do not realize that some of the most common abilities and skills which they use everyday are not instinctual, but are learned. These are all areas in which drug addicts and alcoholics have been found to be deficient. These are NOT instinctive abilities. They require training and practice to perfect.

   The Narconon program gives heavy emphasis to life-skills training. Some of the areas addressed are communication skills, study skills and applying ethical principles in everyday life. The result is an individual more comfortable with his life and less likely to be overwhelmed by it. The practice of these skills are extremely therapeutic in and of themselves.

3. Other therapeutic procedures - There are a number of therapeutic procedures unique to the Narconon program. These therapies are designed to free a person from the guilt, remorse and regret of past actions, and to restore the self-control that is inevitably sacrificed when a person becomes addicted to drugs.

   [See Four Phase Program for more information]

Q: What is Narconon’s success rate?

Narconon has a 60%-70% success rate over two years. This compares to a 10%-20% success rate of traditional treatment programs.

Q: Is the Narconon program covered by insurance?

Every insurance plan is different, but in general terms, most insurance companies will pay for part or all of the Narconon program, provided the policy is not an HMO plan.

Q: Does Narconon have accredited treatment centers?

Yes. All our facilities are fully licensed by their respective States. For example, Narconon Arrowheand in Oklahoma is fully accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF), a nationally recognized agency in the field, as a drug rehabilitation facility. [See Narconon Credentials]

Q: Do you use medical physicians in your programs?

Yes. Each student sees a licensed medical physician prior to entry into the Narconon program and at several points during the program to address any medical conditions that may exist.

Q: How long does it take to complete the Narconon program?

Completion of Phase I - the New Life Detoxification program - can take anywhere between 2-6 weeks. The balance of the program generally takes approximately 2 months to complete.

Q: What type of people are treated at Narconon?

People from all walks of life, from all over the world come to Narconon for treatment. Ages range from 18-65. There are usually about 40% female and 60% male clients in treatment.

Q: What does the Narconon program cost?

Costs differ according to what therapies are delivered. In general terms, the cost of the Narconon program is comparable to or less than other hospital programs. [See Admissions Info]

Q: What happens when a person is ready to start the Narconon Program but has no money or insurance to pay for the program?

Narconon centers in the United States are not publicly funded at this time. Narconon does all it can to find available beds and sources of funding for each individual through private or insurance sources, and sets up payment plans whenever possible. But sometimes Narconon centers have to refer individuals to other publicly or privately funded treatment centers.

Why Narconon Works

The Narconon Story

Our History of Success

Need Help Now?