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Research Papers
Narconon is notable for standing aside from the normal process of medical research and development (epidemiology, as it is known). There is an extreme shortage of scientific literature on its methods; a researcher will have problems finding assessments in mainstream scientific and medical publications, and only a very few scientists or doctors worldwide have lent their names to such assessments. As a percentage of the scientific profession, Narconon's supporters are a vanishingly small number, few with any clout. This lack of a serious profile in mainstream science is a real oddity, as most medically oriented treatment regimes are happy - indeed, often eager - to undergo review and assessment. It appears not to be a result of mainstream medicine rejecting Narconon's submissions but, reportedly, has been caused by Narconon itself declining to subject itself to the normal scientific process. It has had every opportunity to submit its researches to the mainstream medical journals but appears not to have done so.
Like other branches of science, medical science relies on falsifiable hypotheses, reproducible experiments and peer review. Science typically starts off with a hypothesis such as "the Earth is round" or "species evolve over time" and then attempts not only to prove but also to disprove ("falsify") it. If a theory cannot be disproved, it is accepted as a working explanation until such time as something better comes along, assuming it ever does. Newton's theory of gravity was accepted and universally used until Einstein provided a better explanation of the same phenomenon 250 years later. Darwin's theory of natural selection, which seems so universal now, was actually one of a number of competing theories - and not even the favourite - until the discovery of genetics provided a very strong degree of corroboration. Although L. Ron Hubbard was not exactly in Newton or Darwin's class, he too produced a number of falsifiable hypotheses, concerning the nature of drug addiction and its physical consequences. Narconon is not known to have made any effort to test these hypotheses; it has plenty of "evidence" to back up its claims that Hubbard's approach is valid, but it does not make any response to the numerous independent medical experts who have identified errors other than to reject them out of hand.
Reproducible experiments are equally important. A claimed scientific discovery is useless unless it is capable of being replicated independently by other researchers using the same methods. As Hubbard's friend, fellow science-fiction writer and biochemist Isaac Asimov put it in one of his books, science's great advantage over magic spells and appeals to deities is that it is guaranteed to work every time, assuming that everything is working properly and done in the right way. Indeed, claimed reproducibility is a core element of Scientology. Hubbard and his successors repeatedly emphasize that if done according to "standard tech", the sought-for results will be obtained time and again. If an experiment is not reproducible, it invariably sinks the claims of its originators. A classic example is that of the notorious "cold fusion" theory proposed in the early 1990s, when other researchers were unable to replicate the results of Fleischman and Pons, the scientists who proposed the theory. In the case of Narconon, no attempt appears to have been made by independent researchers to corroborate the validity of its theories and methods by applying them away from the influence of Narconon. There is some doubt as to whether this would even be possible, as Narconon's methods and written materials are very strictly controlled by its parent body (and, by proxy, the Church of Scientology); it has certainly shown no willingness to share its source materials with others. It is significant in this context that the "Hubbard detoxification method" used by Narconon appears to only be in use by Narconon, the Church of Scientology and a handful of other organisations affiliated with Scientology-related groups.
Peer review is the third major pillar of scientific research. It has a number of functions, but often the most important is error- and fact-checking. A paper that has undergone peer review will have been read and commented upon by some other respected scientists knowledgeable in the field, and the reviewers will have approved the quality of the experimental design and controls, the validity of the logic used to argue the author's position and whatever else they think may be relevant. It is essentially a quality assurance process, the most important available in the scientific community. It is not uncommon that papers are rejected, in which case they are returned to the authors with a list of suggested improvements. If a paper appears in, say, Nature, it will have gone through the magazine's strict peer review process; its assertions may be disprovable at a later point but readers will know that it has at least been arrived at through a strict scientific process and can therefore be tested (and subjected to disproof) through further scientific enquiry. The same assurance is not available to readers of Narconon's claims. The results of assessments of Narconon's theoretical basis have mostly been published in non-peer-reviewed forums such as the proceedings of various conferences. Although multiple researchers have been involved, they very often have undisclosed links to Scientology (indeed, they are often Scientologists themselves - an issue discussed in ("Narconon's Supporters"). There are good reasons to believe that this ideological connection undermines, to the point of destruction, their independence and ability to be objective.
Considering that addiction therapy is a particularly well-funded and investigated area of medicine, it is surprising that so few people appear to have been involved in studying Hubbard's detoxification programmes. Only 21 people have been named by Narconon and the "International Academy of Detoxification Specialists", a pro-Hubbard group, as authors of papers concerning the Hubbard methodology. Five of this group of 21 are responsible for a remarkable 62% of all the papers (see pie chart below). However, the PubMed database shows that their contribution to the medical literature on other matters has been minimal if it exists at all. Megan Shields, for instance, has contributed to a fifth of all the papers published on the subject but appears to have published nothing else. On the other hand, occasional or one-off contributors like Z. Tretjak or D.L. Curtis have a fairly well-established publishing history.
(Click on the blue underlined text to see more information
about the individual concerned)
The earliest scientific paper published on the Hubbard detoxification method dates only to 1982, despite the fact that Narconon was founded in 1966 and developed into its present form in the mid-1970s. None of L. Ron Hubbard's original research has ever been published. This is true for Scientology as well, and it seems very unlikely that in either case will the research see the light of day. The Scientologists have never needed hard evidence to convince themselves of the veracity of Hubbard's claims, but it is likely that the increasing scepticism of the outside world meant that they felt a need for scientific cover.
The Foundation for Advancements in Science and Education was formed in 1981 with the explicit purpose to "research the efficacy of and promote the works of L. Ron Hubbard in the solving of social problems; and to scientifically research and provide public information and education concerning the efficacy of other programs", according to its incorporation paper - mention of Hubbard was later removed but the FASE continues to push a strongly Hubbardist line and many of its senior management appear to be Scientologists.
Another major boost to the production of research papers appears to have followed on the creation in 1988 of the Association for Better Living and Education, Narconon's parent organisation and an integral "sector" of the Scientology conglomerate. As many papers were produced in 1989-90 as in the whole of the previous 28 years (see the graph below). Even so, the absolute numbers are still pretty small. Nineteen papers on the Hubbard method were produced between 1966 and 1996. In the same period, the PubMed database shows that more than 9,000 other papers on detoxification were produced (and it will be recalled that two-thirds of the Hubbard papers were authored by the same five individuals). This illustrates powerfully just how marginal the Hubbard method is in terms of recognition or support.
The following is a list of all known research papers published on the subject of the "Hubbard detoxification method" - often meaning the Church of Scientology's "Purification Rundown", but as this is functionally identical to Narconon's version, the papers are equally applicable thereto.
We hope to obtain reviews of the papers below, and will add them as we receive them. If you can contribute to this exercise, please contact us.
| Title | Evaluation of a Detoxification
Regimen for Fat Stored Xenobiotics http://www.detoxacademy.org/pdfs/fatxeno.pdf |
| Abstract | One hundred and three individuals undergoing detoxification with the Hubbard procedure volunteered to undergo additional physical and psychological tests concomitant with the program. Participants had been exposed to recreational (abused) and medical drugs, patent medicines, occupational and environmental chemicals. Patients with high blood pressure had a mean reduction of 30.8 mm systolic, 23.3 mm diastolic; cholesterol level mean reduction was 19.5 mg/ 100 ml, while triglycerides did not change. Completion of the detoxification program also resulted in improvements in psychological test scores, with a mean increase in Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale IQ of 6.7 points. Scores on Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory profiles decreased on Scales (4-7) where high scores are associated with amoral and asocial personalities, psychopathic behavior and paranoia. Medical complications resulting from detoxification were rare, occurring in less than three percent of the subjects. |
| Author(s) | D.W. Schnare, G. Denk, M. Shields, S. Brunton |
| Publication | Medical Hypothesis, Vol.9 |
| Date | 1982 |
| Peer-reviewed? | No |
| Comments |
| Title | Reduction of Human Organohalide
Body Burdens: Final Research Report http://www.detoxacademy.org/pdfs/reduc.pdf |
| Abstract | With human exposure to ubiquitous environmental contaminants inevitable despite the best application of environmental laws and protection technologies, interest has grown in the potential to reduce the levels of contamination carried in the human host. As the predominant storage compartment within the human body is the fat, techniques have been developed to mobilize fat stored contaminants and enhance their excretion through metabolic and non-metabolic pathways. The study reported herein presents data on the effectiveness of the Hubbard technique in reducing body burdens of polychlorinated and polybrominated biphenyls (PCB's and PBB'S) as well as chlorinated pesticides. |
| Author(s) | D.W. Schnare, Max Ben, Peya Carmi Robinson, Megan G. Shields, Gene Denk |
| Publication | n/a |
| Date | July 1983 |
| Peer-reviewed? | Not known |
| Comments |
| Title | Body Burden Reductions of
PCBs, PBBs and Chlorinated Pesticide Residues in Human Subjects http://www.detoxacademy.org/pdfs/ambio.pdf |
| Abstract | Prior to detoxification, adipose tissue concentrations were determined for seven individuals accidentally exposed to PBBs. The chemicals targeted for analysis included the major congeners of PBBs, PCBs and the residues of common chlorinated insecticides. Of the 16 organohalides examined, 13 were present in lower concentrations following detoxification. Seven of the 3 reductions were statistically significant; reductions ranged from 3.5 to 47.2 percent, with a mean reduction among the 16 chemicals of 21.3 percent (s.d. 17.1 percent). To determine whether reductions reflected movement to other body compartments or actual burden reduction, a post-treatment follow-up sample was taken four months later. Follow-up analysis showed a reduction in all 16 chemicals averaging 42.4 percent (s.d. 17.1 percent) and ranging from 10.1 to 65.9 percent. Ten of the 16 reductions were statistically significant. |
| Author(s) | D.W. Schnare, M. Ben, M. Shields |
| Publication | Ambio, Vol.13, No.5-6 |
| Date | 1984 |
| Peer-reviewed? | Not known |
| Comments |
| Title | Diagnosis and Treatment of
Patients Presenting Subclinical Signs and Symptoms of Exposure to Chemicals
Which Accumulate in Human Tissue http://www.detoxacademy.org/pdfs/pronat.pdf |
| Abstract | A discussion of some of the problems in attempting to diagnose and treat low-level body burdens of toxic chemicals. A review of 120 patients who were prescribed detoxification treatment as developed by Hubbard to eliminate fat-stored compounds showed improvement in 14 of 15 symptoms associated with several types of chemical exposures. |
| Author(s) | D. Root, D.W. Schnare, D.B. Katzin |
| Publication | Proceedings of the National Conference on Hazardous Wastes and Environmental Emergencies, Cincinnati, Ohio |
| Date | 1985 |
| Peer-reviewed? | No |
| Comments |
| Title | Reduction of the Human Body Burdens of Hexachlorobenzene and Polychlorinated Biphenyls |
| Abstract | Electrical workers paired by age, sex and potential for polychlorinated biphenyl exposure were divided into treatment and control groups. Adipose-tissue concentrations of hexachlorobenzene (HCB), four other pesticides and 10 polychlorinated biphenyl congeners were determined pre- and post-treatment, and three months post-treatment. At post-treatment, all 16 chemicals were found at lower concentrations in the adipose tissues of the treatment group, while 11 were found in higher concentrations in the control group. Adjusted for re-exposure as represented in the control group, HCB concentrations were reduced by 30 percent at post-treatment and 28 percent three months post-treatment. Mean reduction of polychlorinated biphenyl congeners was 61 percent at post-treatment and 14 percent three months post-treatment. These reductions are statistically significant (f< 0.001). Enhanced excretion appeared to keep pace with mobilization, as blood-serum levels in the treatment group did not increase during treatment. |
| Author(s) | D.W. Schnare, P.C. Robinson |
| Publication | Scientific Publications Series Volume 77, World Health Organization, International Agency for Research on Cancer |
| Date | 1986 |
| Peer-reviewed? | Not known |
| Comments |
| Title | Excretion of a Lipophilic
Toxicant Through the Sebaceous Glands: A Case Report http://www.detoxacademy.org/pdfs/cutan.pdf |
| Abstract | A 23-year-old woman worked at a manufacturing facility, hosing the soot and ash accumulated in the exhaust stack and on the filter pads of an oil-fired generator. She performed this task without protective gear. After six months, she reported feeling ill to the plant nurse. One month later, she was removed from the job, and she remained unable to work for 11½ months because of symptoms relating to toxic chemical exposure. The toxicants were amenable to removal through the sebaceous glands and possibly the gastrointestinal tract by the Hubbard detoxification technique. This was accompanied by remission of her subjective complaints and she was authorized to return to work. |
| Author(s) | D. Root, G.T. Lionelli |
| Publication | Journal of Toxicology Cutaneous and Ocular Toxicology, Vol. 6, No. 1 |
| Date | 1987 |
| Peer-reviewed? | Not known |
| Comments |
| Title | Improvement in Perception of Transcutaneous Nerve Stimulation Following Detoxification in Firefighters Exposed to PCBs, PCDDs and PCDFs |
| Abstract | Seventeen firefighters with a history of acute exposure to polychlorinated biphyenyls, dibenzofurans, and dibenzodioxins were evaluated for peripheral neuropathy. Neuropathic evaluation was done using the Neurometer®, a transcutaneous nerve stimulation device. Prior to detoxification, five of the 17 had abnormal current perception threshold measurements. Following treatment, all showed improvement. Most strikingly, the current perception thresholds of two patients returned to normal range after detoxification. This finding raises the possibility that damage heretofore thought to be permanent may in many instances be partially reversible. |
| Author(s) | M. Shields, S.L. Beckmann, G. Cassidy-Brinn |
| Publication | Clinical Ecology, Vol. VI, No.2 |
| Date | 1989 |
| Peer-reviewed? | Not known |
| Comments |
| Title | Occupational, Environmental
and Public Health in Semic: A Case Study of Polychlorinated Biphenyl (PCB)
Pollution http://www.detoxacademy.org/pdfs/pcb.PDF |
| Abstract | Eleven workers with readily observable symptoms of exposure to PCBs and other chemicals were chosen for detoxification from a group of 24 male volunteers from a factory using PCBs in the manufacture of capacitors. The remaining 13 served as a control group. Detoxification treatment reduced both the body burdens and the symptoms of treated workers while no such improvements occurred in the control group. This study, undertaken in cooperation with the University Medical Center of Ljubljana and the Institut für Toxikologie, University and Technical Faculty of Zurich, supports the use of health screening and detoxification for individuals affected by toxic exposures. |
| Author(s) | Z. Tretjak, S.L. Beckmann, A. Tretjak, C. Gunnerson |
| Publication | Proceedings of the Annual Meeting of the American Society of Civil Engineers, New Orleans, Louisiana |
| Date | October 1989 |
| Peer-reviewed? | No |
| Comments |
| Title | Human Contamination and Detoxification: Medical Response to an Expanding Global Problem |
| Abstract | Individuals with a variety of workplace exposures were unable to work or had reduced work capacity. Following detoxification, each was able to return to work. Though the results presented are anecdotal, they confirm previous findings in the peer-reviewed literature (Schnare et al., 1982; Roehm, 1983; Schnare et al., 1984; Schnare and Robinson, 1985; Tretjak et al., 1989) and demonstrate that this approach can be effective in reducing body burdens of toxic compounds and returning individuals to the workplace. |
| Author(s) | R.M. Wisner, M. Shields, D.L. Curtis, S.L. Beckman |
| Publication | Proceedings of the MAB UNESCO Task Force on Human Response to Environmental Stress, Moscow |
| Date | 1989 |
| Peer-reviewed? | No |
| Comments |
| Title | Neurobehavioral Dysfunction
in Firemen Exposed to Polychlorinated Biphenyls (PCBs): Possible Improvement
after Detoxification http://www.detoxacademy.org/pdfs/neuro.pdf |
| Abstract | Fourteen firemen were exposed to polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and their by-products at the site of a transformer fire and explosion. Six months after the fire, they underwent neurophysiological and neuropsychological tests. They were re-studied six weeks after detoxification. A control group of firefighters was selected from firemen who resided in the same city but were not engaged in the fire in question. Initial testing showed that firemen exposed to PCBs had poorer neurobehavioral function than the control group. Significant reversibility of impairment was noted after detoxification. |
| Author(s) | K.H. Kilburn, R.H. Warsaw, M. Shields |
| Publication | Archives of Environmental Health, Vol.44, No. 6 |
| Date | 1989 |
| Peer-reviewed? | Not known |
| Comments |
| Title | PCB Reduction and Clinical
Improvement by Detoxification: An Unexploited Approach? http://www.detoxacademy.org/pdfs/unexp.pdf |
| Abstract | A female worker from a capacitor factory, with a history of exposure to polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and other lipophilic industrial chemicals, was admitted for treatment at the University Medical Centre of Ljubljana, Slovenia (then Yugoslavia). She presented with severe abdominal complaints, chloracne, liver abnormalities and a bluish-green nipple discharge of approximately 50 ml d' in quantity. High PCB levels were noted in adipose tissue (102 mg kg'), serum (512 µg/1'), skin lipids (66.3 mg kg'), and in the nipple discharge (712 µg 1'). After detoxification, PCB levels in adipose tissue were reduced to 37.4 mg kg' and in serum to 261 µg', respective reductions of 63 percent and 49 percent. Excretion of intact PCBs in serum, appreciable before treatment, was enhanced by up to five-fold during detoxification. The nipple discharge ceased early in the detoxification regimen. |
| Author(s) | Z. Tretjak, M. Shields, S.L. Beckman |
| Publication | Human and Experimental Toxicology, Vol. 9 |
| Date | 1990 |
| Peer-reviewed? | Not known |
| Comments |
| Title | Xenobiotic Reduction and
Clinical Improvements in Capacitor Workers: A Feasible Method |
| Abstract | Eleven capacitor workers, occupationally exposed to PCBs and other industrial chemicals, underwent detoxification. Thirteen co-workers served as controls. Mean PCB levels prior to detoxification were 28.0 mg/kg in adipose and 188.0 µg/L in serum. Following detoxification, PCBs were reduced in serum by 42 percent (p<0.05) and in adipose by 30 percent for patients without concurrent disease. Patients with concurrent disease had a 10 percent reduction in adipose levels, while serum levels remained unchanged. Both adipose and serum PCB levels increased in members of the control group. At a four-month follow up examination, these differences were maintained, though the mean adipose PCB values in all groups were higher than at post-treatment. All patients reported marked improvement in clinical symptoms post-treatment, with most of these improvements retained at follow-up. No such improvements were noted in controls. |
| Author(s) | Z. Tretjak, D. Root, A. Tretjak, R. Slivnik, E. Edmondson, R. Graves, S.L. Beckmann |
| Publication | Journal of Environmental Science and Health, Vol. A25, no. 7 |
| Date | 1990 |
| Peer-reviewed? | Not known |
| Comments |
| Title | Treatment of Pesticide-Exposed Patients with the Hubbard Method of Detoxification |
| Abstract | A review of the efficacy of detoxification in addressing the complaints of 155 patients who had experienced significant exposures to pesticides. Treatment effected reductions in chemical levels in adipose tissue, and a concomitant decrease in symptomatic complaints. |
| Author(s) | S.L. Beckman, M. Shields, R.M. Wisner |
| Publication | Presentation at the 120th Annual Meeting of the American Public Health Association, Washington, D.C. |
| Date | November 1992 |
| Peer-reviewed? | No |
| Comments |
| Title | Neurotoxicity and Toxic Body Burdens: Relationship and Treatment Potentials |
| Abstract | Many chemicals have neurotoxic health effects of long duration, leading to the conclusion that these effects are essentially irreversible. This paper proposes that the accumulation and persistence of neurotoxic chemicals in adipose tissue may play a role in the prolongation of neurotoxic effects. If this were the case, an approach designed to reduce body burdens of fat-soluble compounds should lead to a similar reduction in neurotoxic effects. Transcutaneous current perception thresholds were measured using the Neurometer® device in 48 patients exhibiting neurotoxic effects both before and after detoxification. Following detoxification, marked improvements were noted in both peripheral neuropathy and self-reported patient profiles. |
| Author(s) | R.M. Wisner, D. Root, M. Shields, S.L. Beckman |
| Publication | Proceedings of the International Conference on Peripheral Nerve Toxicity, Kanasawa, Japan |
| Date | June 1993 |
| Peer-reviewed? | No |
| Comments |
| Title | Reduction of Drug Residues: Applications in Drug Rehabilitation |
| Abstract | Drug residues and their lipophilic metabolites are associated with persistent symptoms; their mobilization into blood correlates with drug cravings. The concentration of drug metabolites in both sweat and urine was measured in eight individuals who had been actively using drugs prior to detoxification. Cocaine, opiate, and benzodiazepan metabolites were detected by fluorescent immunoassay in both sweat and urine. Low levels (not indicative of use) continued to be eliminated for several weeks. In two cases, drug levels were below detection prior to treatment but became detectable during detoxification. A separate series of 249 clients with a history of drug abuse rated the severity of their symptoms before and after detoxification. Chief symptomatic complaints prior to detoxification included fatigue, irritability, depression, intolerance of stress, reduced attention span and decreased mental acuity. (These same symptoms were dominant in those who had ceased active drug abuse over a year prior to treatment.) Following detoxification, both past and current users reported marked improvements in symptoms, with most returning to normal range. |
| Author(s) | R. Wisner, M. Shields, S.L. Beckmann |
| Publication | Presentation at the 123rd Annual Meeting of the American Public Health Association |
| Date | 1995 |
| Peer-reviewed? | No |
| Comments |
| Title | Treatment of Children with the Detoxification Method Developed by Hubbard |
| Abstract | Eighteen children from ten families were referred for detoxification. Their chief complaints included environmental sensitivity, headaches, chronic fatigue, allergies, respiratory problems and recurrent infections. In each case, the entire family had become ill following a known change (e.g., application of pesticides, installation of improperly cured carpet) in their environment. The ages of the children ranged from neonatal to 15 at the time of exposure, with treatment ages ranging from 4 to 21. Treatment resulted in improvements in symptom profiles, with at least 89 percent of the children reporting long-term improvements in their symptoms. |
| Author(s) | R. Wisner, M. Shields, S.L. Beckmann |
| Publication | Presentation at the 123rd Annual Meeting of the American Public Health Association, San Diego |
| Date | 1995 |
| Peer-reviewed? | No |
| Comments |
| Title | Precipitation of Cocaine Metabolites in Sweat and Urine of Addicts Undergoing Sauna Bath Treatment |
| Abstract | Four subjects (three males and one female) admitted to a residential treatment program were selected for study. All met DSM-III-R Criteria for cocaine dependence and ingested cocaine by smoking. The duration of their use of the drug ranged from eight months to 18 years, and they reported cocaine use on over 75 percent of days in the month just prior to treatment. Three reported last use of cocaine within 48 hours of admission; one reported last use 25 days prior to program entry. Urine and sweat samples were collected from subjects every two to three days during detoxification and analyzed by fluorescent immunoassay. Cocaine metabolites were detectable in both sweat and urine of all subjects. Three of the four subjects showed a measurable increase in sweat or urine cocaine metabolite concentrations at the beginning of detoxification. Two subjects demonstrated negative urine samples prior to detoxification, but demonstrated the presence of metabolites when detoxification commenced. |
| Author(s) | M. Shields |
| Publication | Fifty-Seventh Annual Scientific Meeting, National Institute on Drug Abuse, College on Problems of Drug Dependency |
| Date | 1995 |
| Peer-reviewed? | No |
| Comments |
| Title | Reduction of the Radioisotope
Cs-137 Using the Detoxification Method Developed by Hubbard http://www.detoxacademy.org/pdfs/childtox.pdf |
| Abstract | Fourteen children living in the plume path of the destroyed Chernobyl reactor underwent detoxification. Each was periodically measured using a portable radiation detection system capable of measuring the characteristic gamma ray emitted during the radioactive decay of Cs-137. (Five such measures were made over the course of approximately four weeks.) Elimination rates were compared to expected rates of elimination from published studies. Children uniformly eliminated Cs-137 more rapidly than expected, with the exception of two cases in which children were eating contaminated treats from home. (Rapid elimination of Cs-137 resumed when these items were eliminated from their diets.) |
| Author(s) | ? |
| Publication | Presentation at the 124th Annual Meeting of the American Public Health Associations |
| Date | 1996 |
| Peer-reviewed? | No |
| Comments |
| Title | Reduction of Drug Residues: Applications in Drug Rehabilitation |
| Abstract | Drug residues and their lipophilic metabolites are associated with persistent symptoms; their mobilization into blood correlates with drug cravings. The concentration of drug metabolites in both sweat and urine was measured in eight individuals who had been actively using drugs prior to detoxification. Cocaine, opiate, and benzodiazepan metabolites were detected by fluorescent immunoassay in both sweat and urine. Low levels (not indicative of use) continued to be eliminated for several weeks. In two cases, drug levels were below detection prior to treatment but became detectable during detoxification. A separate series of 249 clients with a history of drug abuse rated the severity of their symptoms before and after detoxification. Chief symptomatic complaints prior to detoxification included fatigue, irritability, depression, intolerance of stress, reduced attention span and decreased mental acuity. (These same symptoms were dominant in those who had ceased active drug abuse over a year prior to treatment.) Following detoxification, both past and current users reported marked improvements in symptoms, with most returning to normal range. |
| Author(s) | R. Wisner, M. Shields, S.L. Beckmann |
| Publication | Presentation at the 123rd Annual Meeting of the American Public Health Association |
| Date | 1995 |
| Peer-reviewed? | No |
| Comments |
Other articles
Narconon's supporters have also written a number of articles published in professional journals, promoting the supposed benefits of the Hubbard detoxification method. These articles are as follows:
| Title | PCP Nightmare Over for Narcotics
Officers http://www.detoxacademy.org/pdfs/journal.pdf |
| Abstract | Law enforcement officers involved in drug cases are sometimes exposed to hazardous chemicals. The symptoms of these exposures can cause officers to become unable to work or think. New studies show detoxification can rid officers of a variety of symptoms. |
| Author(s) | Robert Warner |
| Publication | The Journal - Winter Issue |
| Date | 1984 |
| Title | Chemical Hazards in Law Enforcement http://www.detoxacademy.org/pdfs/lawhaz.pdf |
| Abstract | Today, law enforcement officers are exposed to many hazardous materials. After much exposure, the accumulations of chemicals cause symptoms which can keep them from working. In studies, it has been shown that detoxification removes PCP, allowing officers to return to work. |
| Author(s) | Robert B. Amidon |
| Publication | Journal of California Law Enforcement - Summer Vol. 18, No. 3 |
| Date | 1984 |
| Title | Is Detoxification A Solution
to Occupational Health Hazards? http://www.detoxacademy.org/pdfs/nsn.pdf |
| Abstract | More than 55,000 chemicals are now in commercial use, some 3,000 are deliberately added to food, and more than 700 are found in common drinking water. There is no arguing the importance of protecting workers and their families from potentially hazardous substances. The question of how to resolve the problems that have developed as a result of man's interaction with his chemical environment has brought a variety of responses. There is no question that some of the chemicals have adverse human health effects. Scientific research in recent years has shown a relationship between the presence of foreign chemicals in human tissue and an increased rate of cancer in those same tissues. |
| Author(s) | Max Ben, M.D. |
| Publication | National Safety News |
| Date | May 1984 |
| Title | Reducing Toxic Body Burdens
Advancing in Innovative Technique http://www.detoxacademy.org/pdfs/occhns.pdf |
| Abstract | A Rand Corporation study in 1984 estimated that by the year 2020, 75,000 American workers will have died as a result of asbestos related diseases. By the end of the century, claims by victims of asbestos contamination may cost the world insurance industry as much as $30 billion, according to Lloyd's of London experts. By watching this scenario, many high risk industries using toxic substances hope that they have no similar toxic time bombs ticking away beneath their own corporate cornerstones. |
| Author(s) | David Root, Joan Anderson |
| Publication | Occupational Health & Safety. Vol. 2, No. 4 |
| Date | April 1986 |
| Title | Pharmacotherapy: Millions
Spent, Little Gained http://www.detoxacademy.org/pdfs/profco.pdf |
| Abstract | Drug abuse is a complex problem, and approaches to solving it have been as varied as the faces of addiction itself. In the wake of rehabilitation failures, law enforcement officials increasingly speak of the need for harsh punishment of drug offenders, including first-time users. The hundreds of millions of taxpayer dollars being proposed for pharmacotherapy addiction research will, to a large extent, define the type of treatment available to the population in the immediate future. Given the uncertain history of pharmacotherapy as a treatment for addiction, the lack of responsible debate is inexcusable. |
| Author(s) | Max Ben, M.D. |
| Publication | Professional Counselor. Vol. 7, No. 3 |
| Date | December 1992 |
|