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Experts on Substance Abuse and Public Health:
Addicts characteristically subordinate values
such as work, family relationships, and community responsibilities to the
ingestion and unwise use of alcohol and/or drugs. Social neglect and criminal
behavior are frequent companions of drug abuse and alcoholism. Efforts to
develop a functional normative system, as it is done by Narconon, should result
in favorable outcomes. Narconon has demonstrated that this redefinition of the
normative system of addicts is possible to implement with empathy, compassion,
and respect for the addict. Alfonzo Paredes, Sr., M.D. Professor of Psychiatry, UCLA
School of Medicine Board
certified in Psychiatry and Neurology
I have never liked the concept of using drugs
and medication to solve the problems created by drugs and medication. There is
a place for medication but it is defined and limited. Therefore, from the very
beginning of my practice it was a serious concern for me to know where I could
refer patients for help. As a doctor it was evident to me that the long-term physical, mental
and emotional consequences of drug use had something to do with the residual
effects of the drugs themselves. This was clearly the case as well with
environmental and industrial toxins. Customary medical procedures held no solution to this
problem of drug and toxic residuals. Various 'treatments' have been proffered,
ranging from the psychiatric viewpoint of getting the person to believe that
the problem he was experiencing from toxins was all in his mind, to the
administration of drugs to suppress the symptoms exhibited. These 'treatments'
only served to compound the problem. But with the release of the Narconon New
Life Detoxification Program which utilized the researches of L. Ron Hubbard, I
discovered that we had a solution at hand. The depression, hopelessness and fear which so often
accompany such problems were evident in many of my patients. Upon completion of
the Narconon program, to which I had referred them, these persons were changed
both physically and mentally. The common theme expressed by those who completed
it is that they were no longer encumbered by chemicals which were shutting off
their lives. They expressed increased mental clarity and new hope for the
future.Their lives upon completion of the program were happier, healthier, and
more productive. Beyond the detoxification program, the benefits of the
Narconon practical life skills courses were an important part of their stable
recovery. I was pleased to see even the most 'hard-core', seemingly hopeless
cases recuperate and salvage their lives. There is not often good news in our struggle with the
consequences of alcohol and drug abuse in our society. I am happy to say that
the Narconon program is good news. I encourage you to review it carefully and
consider using it. Many years ago I did and I have been able to help save many
lives as a result. Megan Shields, MD Graduate of the Medical College of
Virginia Diplomate of the American Board of Family Practice
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