Methodology

Detoxification Program:

The detoxification program developed by Hubbard is aimed at mobilizing and eliminating foreign compounds, especially those stored in the fat. Components include:

(a) Exercise, preferably running, to stimulate circulation and enhance the turnover of fats.

(b) Prescribed periods in a low temperature sauna to promote sweating.

(c) An exact regimen of vitamin, mineral, and oil intake. Niacin in gradually increasing doses is used to transiently increase fat mobilization. Oil supplementation both reduces enterohepatic recirculation and promotes the exchange of fat. Vitamin and mineral supplements are included to replace vitamins, minerals and electrolytes lost during increased sweating and to correct any nutritional deficiencies.

(d) Sufficient liquids to offset the loss of body fluids through sweating.

(e) A regular diet including plenty of fresh vegetables.

(f) A properly ordered personal schedule which provides the person with the normally required amount of sleep.

Clients are on this program up to 5 hours per day, every day, until program completion. Daily aerobic exercise is followed by frequent periods in a low-heat (60-80 C) sauna. Niacin is administered immediately prior to the exercise and sauna to assist with the mobilization and elimination process. The program is pursued individually until a stable clinical improvement is achieved, generally from 4 to 28 days.

Treatment Population:

249 clients with a history of drug abuse rated the severity of their symptoms before and after treatment with the detoxification program. 87 symptoms were rated on a scale of 0 (none) to 5 (severe).

These clients could be divided into three subgroups:

(a) 59 clients who were doing the detoxification program as part of a drug rehabilitation program;

(b) 52 clients who had used drugs recently but were occasional drug users without marked addiction; and

(c) 49 clients whose last reported use of drugs was from one to ten years prior to the detoxification program.

Sample Collection for Drug Measurement:

Eight clients with a current drug addiction program agreed to contribute urine and sweat samples as they went through both withdrawal (if needed) and the detoxification program.

Four smoked cocaine almost daily and had been using cocaine from eight months to 18 years prior to treatment. Three were frequent users of amphetamines and valium (diazepam). One used cocaine and heroin.

Urine and sweat samples were collected on program entry and every two to three days during the detoxification program.

The concentration of drug residues in urine and sweat samples was determined by the polarized fluorescent immunoassay (PIF) technique at a 95% sensitivity of approximately ng/ml.