Frequently Asked Questions About Narconon Arrowhead

Q) What is Narconon Arrowhead?

A)Narconon Arrowhead is a residential treatment center for drug addiction and alcoholism. Narconon Arrowhead is located on 216 acres of wooded land, adjacent to beautiful Lake Eufaula and Arrowhead State Park, in rural southeastern Oklahoma.

Q) What does "Narconon" mean?

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

Q) How did the Narconon program start?

A)Narconon was founded in 1966 by William Benitez, a heroin addict who was incarcerated in the Arizona State Prison for a long series of drug-related crimes. Benitez wanted to resolve his addiction and through his personal research into workable techniques to kick drugs ran into a book called Fundamentals of Thought, written by American author and humanitarian L.Ron Hubbard. Benitez was able to glean principals out these writings by Mr. Hubbard to improve his ability to communicate about, face up to, and resolve basic life problems that had contributed to his drug addiction and held it in place for many years. Impressed with the effectiveness of this information as it related to drug addiction, Benitez formed an alliance with Mr. Hubbard and developed a workable drug and alcohol rehabilitation program that would free people from drug addiction without the use of substitute drugs or medications. Benitez formed the Narconon organization and Mr. Hubbard continued and shared his research and developments in the drug rehab field. Narconon now has over 30 drug and alcohol rehabilitation programs in 11 different countries.

Q) Is Narconon part of the Church of Scientology or any other organized religion?

A)No, the only affiliation is that the Narconon drug rehab technology and the religion of Scientology are based on the works of the same man, L. Ron Hubbard. Narconon is a separate public benefit, non-profit corporation. It is not a religious organization and is non-denominational in its view of religion. The Narconon organization supports and acknowledges all religions that work to eradicate substance abuse, but is not corporately part of any religious organization.

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

A) The Narconon drug treatment program is unique in several ways. 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, many do not. The Narconon drug treatment program addresses three (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 intensive method of detoxification to remove these residues, resulting in an individual who is free of the harmful physical effects of mind-alerting 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 drug rehab 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 is extremely therapeutic in and of themselves.

2) Life Skills - 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.

Q) What is Narconon's success rate?

A)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?

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

Q) Is Narconon Arrowhead an accredited treatment center?

A) Yes. It is fully accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF), a nationally recognized accrediting agency in the field, as a drug rehabilitation facility.

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

A) The Narconon program is usually completed in 2-4 months though the program can take longer for some people. Each client is different and each case is treated on an individual basis.

Q) What type of people are treated at Narconon?

A) 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?

A) Cost differs according to what therapies are delivered. In general terms, the cost of the Narconon program is comparable to or less than that of other hospital programs, while being much more effective.