Is Narconon Scientology? Understanding the Connection and the Difference

Honest Answers to the Question Every Family Asks

When families research Narconon as a treatment option, one question comes up immediately: "Is this Scientology?" It's a fair question, and it deserves an honest, straightforward answer—not evasion or defensive responses.

Yes, there is a connection between Narconon and Scientology. But no, Narconon is not Scientology, and participating in Narconon treatment does not require becoming a Scientologist or adopting Scientology religious beliefs. Understanding the actual relationship—what's shared, what's different, and what it means for treatment—is essential for making an informed decision.

This article provides clear, factual answers about the Narconon-Scientology connection and helps you evaluate whether this matters for your treatment decision. Learn more about the Narconon program.

The Honest Answer: Yes, There's a Connection

The Historical Relationship

Narconon was founded in 1966 by William Benitez, a prison inmate who used principles from L. Ron Hubbard's writings to overcome his own heroin addiction. Hubbard was the founder of Scientology, and many of the techniques Benitez found helpful came from Hubbard's work on communication, learning, and personal ethics.

After Benitez's success, Hubbard supported the development of Narconon as a secular drug rehabilitation program based on his research and methods. The Church of Scientology provided initial funding and organizational support.

This historical connection is real and undeniable. Narconon uses methods developed by L. Ron Hubbard, and there are organizational and philosophical ties to Scientology.

What's Shared

Narconon and Scientology share several things:

Founder: Both use methods developed by L. Ron Hubbard

Some techniques: Communication exercises, study methods, and ethics concepts used in Narconon come from Hubbard's broader body of work, which is also used in Scientology

Organizational support: The Church of Scientology has historically supported Narconon programs

Philosophical approach: Both emphasize personal responsibility, the ability of individuals to improve their lives, and drug-free approaches to problems

This shared foundation is why the connection exists and why the question is legitimate.

The Critical Distinction: Narconon is NOT Scientology

Separate Organizations

Narconon International is a separate nonprofit organization from the Church of Scientology. While there are historical and philosophical connections, Narconon operates independently as a drug rehabilitation program, not as a religious organization.

Narconon centers are licensed as drug treatment facilities, not as churches. They're subject to healthcare regulations and oversight, not religious exemptions.

No Religious Content or Practices

This is the most important distinction: Narconon treatment does not include Scientology religious beliefs, practices, or services.

You will not be:

• Required to study Scientology scripture or religious texts
• Asked to participate in Scientology religious services (auditing, e-meter sessions, etc.)
• Pressured to join the Church of Scientology
• Taught Scientology theology or cosmology
• Required to adopt any religious beliefs

The program uses secular techniques for addiction treatment. The fact that these techniques were developed by someone who also founded a religion doesn't make the addiction treatment itself religious.

An Analogy: AA and Christianity

Consider Alcoholics Anonymous. AA was founded by Christians, uses Christian concepts (higher power, moral inventory, making amends), and many AA meetings are held in churches. Yet AA is not Christianity, and you don't have to be Christian to benefit from AA.

Similarly, Narconon was developed by someone who founded Scientology and uses some concepts from his broader work. But Narconon is not Scientology, and you don't have to be a Scientologist to benefit from Narconon.

What the Program Actually Includes

The Narconon Curriculum

The Narconon program consists of specific courses and activities focused entirely on overcoming addiction:

Withdrawal: Drug-free withdrawal with nutritional support

New Life Detoxification: Sauna-based program to eliminate stored drug residues

Objectives Courses: Exercises to improve perception, communication, and present-time awareness

Learning How to Learn: Study skills to improve ability to learn and apply information

Communication and Perception Course: Exercises to improve interpersonal skills

Ups and Downs in Life Course: How to identify and handle people and situations that undermine recovery

Personal Values and Integrity Course: Addressing the ethical damage caused by addiction

Changing Conditions in Life Course: Creating a stable, productive life after treatment

The Way to Happiness Course: Basic moral code for living ethically

None of these courses teach Scientology religious doctrine. They use Hubbard's methods for addressing specific problems related to addiction and life skills.

What You Won't Find

You will not encounter:

• Scientology religious texts (Dianetics, Scientology theology books)
• E-meter sessions or auditing
• Scientology organizational hierarchy or terminology
• Pressure to join Scientology or donate to Scientology organizations
• Scientology religious practices or ceremonies

If any Narconon center includes these elements, they're violating the program's secular nature and should be reported.

The Controversy: Why This Matters

Legitimate Concerns

Families have legitimate reasons to be concerned about the Scientology connection:

Transparency: Some feel Narconon hasn't been sufficiently upfront about the connection, which creates distrust

Religious freedom: Families want to ensure their loved one won't be subjected to religious indoctrination

Effectiveness questions: Some wonder whether methods developed for religious purposes can be effective for medical/psychological problems

Organizational concerns: Questions about financial relationships between Narconon and Scientology

These concerns are valid and deserve honest answers.

The Counterargument: Judge by Results

Narconon's position is essentially: "Judge the program by its results, not by who developed the methods."

Many effective treatments have origins that might surprise people. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) was developed by a psychoanalyst. Mindfulness-based therapies come from Buddhism. The 12-step approach comes from Christian spiritual practices. Yet all of these are now used secularly and judged by their effectiveness, not their origins.

Narconon argues that the same standard should apply: Does the program work? Do people complete it? Do they stay sober? These are the questions that matter for treatment decisions.

The Evidence: Does It Work?

Completion Rates

Narconon reports completion rates of 70-76% for people who start the program—significantly higher than the 40-60% typical for traditional rehab programs. This suggests that whatever the origins of the methods, they're effective at engaging people in treatment.

Long-Term Sobriety

Narconon reports that 70-80% of graduates remain drug-free long-term. While these are self-reported figures and should be viewed cautiously, they're consistent with what independent observers and families report: many Narconon graduates achieve lasting recovery.

Participant Testimonials

Thousands of Narconon graduates—including many who are not Scientologists and have no interest in Scientology—report that the program worked for them when other approaches failed. Their testimonials consistently emphasize:

"I was skeptical about the Scientology connection, but the program saved my life."

"I'm not a Scientologist and never will be, but Narconon gave me tools that work."

"Nobody tried to convert me to anything—they just helped me get sober."

These reports suggest that the program can be effective regardless of participants' religious beliefs or lack thereof.

Making Your Decision: What Matters

Questions to Ask Yourself

When evaluating whether the Scientology connection matters for your decision, consider:

Is your concern about religious indoctrination? If so, ask Narconon directly about their policies. Visit the facility if possible. Talk to graduates. Get written assurance that no religious content will be included.

Is your concern about effectiveness? If so, focus on outcomes. Talk to families whose loved ones completed the program. Ask about completion rates and long-term sobriety. Judge by results, not origins.

Is your concern about financial relationships? If so, ask about where your money goes. Understand the organizational structure. Get transparency about any financial connections.

Is your concern about your loved one's autonomy? If so, discuss this with them. Make sure they understand the connection and are comfortable with it. Their informed consent is what matters.

Questions to Ask Narconon

When contacting Narconon, ask directly:

"Will my loved one be exposed to Scientology religious content during treatment?"

"Will anyone try to recruit them to join Scientology?"

"What is the financial relationship between this Narconon center and the Church of Scientology?"

"Can I speak with graduates who are not Scientologists?"

"Can I visit the facility and observe the program?"

Honest programs will answer these questions directly and provide evidence to support their answers.

The Practical Reality

What Families Report

Most families who choose Narconon despite concerns about the Scientology connection report:

The concerns didn't materialize: Their loved one was not pressured to join Scientology or exposed to religious content

The program worked: Whatever the origins of the methods, they were effective for addiction treatment

The staff was professional: Treatment was focused on recovery, not religion

The connection didn't matter: In retrospect, they wish they'd focused less on the origins of the methods and more on whether the program would work

This doesn't mean the concerns aren't valid—it means that for many families, the practical reality was less problematic than they feared.

When It Might Matter More

The Scientology connection might be a bigger issue if:

Your loved one has strong negative feelings about Scientology: If they're adamantly opposed, they may not engage fully with the program regardless of its secular nature

You have religious objections: If your religious beliefs conflict with Scientology, even indirect association might be uncomfortable

You've had negative experiences with Scientology: If you or your family have had bad experiences with Scientology organizations, the connection might create insurmountable distrust

Transparency is a dealbreaker: If you feel Narconon hasn't been sufficiently upfront about the connection, that lack of transparency might undermine your trust

In these cases, you might be better served by a program without these associations, even if Narconon's methods are effective.

Alternative Perspectives

The "Secular Humanist" View

Some people argue that Narconon's methods, stripped of any religious context, represent effective secular approaches to addiction:

• Personal responsibility and ethics
• Communication skills and interpersonal effectiveness
• Study skills and ability to learn
• Physical detoxification and nutritional support
• Life skills for creating a stable, productive life

From this perspective, the fact that these methods were developed by someone who also founded a religion is irrelevant—they work on their own merits.

The "Scientology Technology" View

Others argue that Narconon is essentially "Scientology lite"—using Scientology methods without the religious framework. They point out that:

• The terminology, concepts, and exercises come directly from Hubbard's work
• The organizational structure and training methods mirror Scientology's approach
• The philosophical assumptions (people are fundamentally good, can improve themselves, don't need drugs) align with Scientology beliefs

From this perspective, calling it "secular" is somewhat misleading—it's Scientology methods applied to addiction, even if it's not Scientology religion.

Both perspectives have merit. Where you land probably depends on how you define "religious" and whether you care more about origins or outcomes.

The Bottom Line: It's Your Decision

What We Know for Certain

Fact: Narconon was developed using methods created by L. Ron Hubbard, who also founded Scientology

Fact: There are organizational and financial connections between Narconon and Scientology

Fact: Narconon treatment does not include Scientology religious practices or require adopting Scientology beliefs

Fact: Many people complete Narconon and achieve lasting sobriety without becoming Scientologists

Fact: Some people are uncomfortable with any Scientology association and prefer programs without these connections

What You Must Decide

Only you can decide whether the Scientology connection is a dealbreaker for your family. Consider:

Your priorities: Is effectiveness your top priority, or is avoiding any Scientology association more important?

Your loved one's preferences: What do they think about this? Their comfort and willingness to engage matters more than yours.

Available alternatives: What other options exist? Are they more effective, less expensive, or more accessible than Narconon?

Your risk tolerance: Are you willing to try a program with this connection if it might be more effective, or would you rather choose a program without these concerns even if outcomes are uncertain?

There's no universally right answer. Different families will reasonably reach different conclusions based on their values, circumstances, and priorities.

The South Africa Context

Less Controversy, More Focus on Results

In South Africa, the Scientology connection tends to be less controversial than in the United States or Europe. South African families often care more about:

Does it work? Can we afford it? Will our loved one be safe? Is it better than the alternatives?

The philosophical origins of the methods matter less than practical outcomes. This pragmatic approach might be worth considering.

International Perspective

For international families considering Narconon Africa, the Scientology connection might actually matter less because:

Distance from Scientology organizations: South Africa has fewer Scientology organizations than the US or Europe, reducing concerns about recruitment

Focus on treatment outcomes: The program's track record and affordability matter more than organizational affiliations

Cultural differences: Different cultural attitudes toward religion and treatment may make the connection less significant

Get the Information You Need

If you're considering Narconon despite concerns about the Scientology connection, get direct answers:

Contact Narconon Africa:

• Phone: +27 (0)800 014 559 (24/7 Confidential Support)
• Website: www.narcononafrica.org.za
• Location: Magaliesberg Mountains, North-West Province, South Africa

Ask your questions directly. Request written policies about religious content. Talk to graduates. Visit if possible. Make an informed decision based on facts, not assumptions or rumors.

Your loved one's recovery is too important to dismiss an effective option without investigation—but also too important to ignore legitimate concerns. Get the information you need to decide wisely.