Narconon of Georgia Attends Premiere of HBO Series "Addiction"

Staff of Narconon of Georgia, a non-12 step rehab program, joined other Atlanta recovery community members and advocates for the preview of the HBO documentary series, "Addiction", on March 14, 2007.  The event, which took place at the Georgia Public Broadcasting House,  explored the treatment of addiction and long term recovery options in Atlanta.
 
Narconon drug rehab staff joined in discussions at the HBO Addiction premiere.  The documentary showing is part of a multi-platform educational media campaign. HBO is partnering with the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) and the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA).

Mary Rieser, Executive Director of Narconon of Georgia, had these comments on the series: “If we get behind drug treatment and prevention programs that push individual responsibility, we are helping individuals learn that they are responsible for their own condition."

Ms. Rieser went on to explain, “Some current theories blame drug addiction on the brain and suggest that an addict may have inherited a defective brain or that it was somehow underdeveloped. With this theory it would appear that society is plagued, not by the drug dealers and cartels, but rather by deficient brains so the addict can always say, 'It's all my brain's fault.' Then, there is the theory presented that some brains have been so damaged by drugs they will never recover and the only solution is to keep the person addicted to another drug, usually indefinitely.

"The Narconon program agrees with the fundamental premise that stable recovery is achievable, but not without effort. Addicts can achieve a drug-free life if they apply the knowledge and life skills learned in the program. Developing a realistic and workable sense of ethics is stressed as a key element for recovery.  No matter what other theories are behind the mechanics of drug addiction, without stressing personal responsibility in our treatment and education, we are likely to help foster the growth of a new generation of zombies, unable to care for themselves and constantly putting others at risk. It is a big load to put on an already strained society."

Narconon is a non-traditional drug abuse treatment program which was founded in 1967.  Narconon of Georgia was founded in 2001.  While many drug rehab statistics are nebulous, Narconon boasts a 76% success rate (based on a two year follow-up) through a non-12 step drug treatment program.  This program provides body detoxification through a sauna and exercise program that helps eliminate or reduce cravings.  After the sauna program, the client learns those life skills essential to success in life and the ability to stay clean.  They graduate from Narconon with a life plan and continued support to make sure they make it in life.