Narconon of Georgia Celebrates Anniversary

Narconon Drug Rehab in Georgia celebrated 7 years of saving lives last week. “It is a great honor to be part of a program that has touched so many people," commented Mary Rieser, Executive Director.

The original Narconon Drug Rehab Program started in 1967, in the Arizona State Prison. Gordy Weinand, one of the first graduates, recalls, "We would go in and do the coursework, but back then it was tough. The program has been expanded, with the addition of the Narconon Sauna Program and other Narconon Life Skills Courses, and is much easier and complete." Mr. Weinand, who works in Public Relations for Narconon Drug Rehab in GA, has been clean since then. "It is my pleasure to see to how extensive the Narconon Program has become and the hundreds of centers that have opened worldwide. We help a lot of people."

Ms. Rieser started the Narconon Program in Georgia seven years ago after a chance encounter with a homeless girl who was addicted to drugs. "I tried to help her, but all the programs I looked into were based on the Twelve-Steps, and while this model works well with alcohol, it did not seem to me that this is what she needed, as she was under-nourished and obviously not well physically."

After finding the Narconon program in Oklahoma, sending the girl there for drug rehab treament, and seeing the spectacular results, Ms. Rieser decided to open a Narconon locally to help those with similar problems. “I finally found a rehab with good statistics that not only addressed the mental side of drug addiction but also the bio-physical side of drug addiction,” comments Ms. Rieser. “The Narconon Drug Rehab Program has a 76% success rate, and I wanted to make sure one was opened in Georgia.”

Since the opening of the Narconon Drug Rehab in GA, hundreds now live happy, drug-free, productive lives. Mr. Weinand hears daily from past graduates. "Part of my job is to follow up on past graduates and see how they are doing. We keep track of them for two years after they complete the program, and the majority, over 75%, are not only drug free but living happy productive lives. Many have gone back to college, are married, have kids. This would not have been possible without a Narconon in Georgia. Many graduates call me up out of the blue and thank me and Narconon for saving their lives."

But drug rehab is not the only activity pursued. "We also focus on drug prevention and drug education," states Mr. Weinand.

-Thousands of children have been educated on drugs through Narconon Drug Education lectures
-Several local TV stations have interviewed Narconon of Georgia students and staff on the effects of drug use and how to help others
-Newspapers throughout Georgia regularly print drug awareness information supplied by Narconon of Georgia
-Interviews on radio stations throughout the Southeast help listeners learn the effects of drugs and how to beat drug addiction

"We had one local Russian TV station do a piece on Narconon that was translated into Russian and transmitted overseas," comments Mr. Weinand.

Church groups, community centers, and after-school programs have also reached out to Narconon of GA for help in drug education and prevention.

This help has not gone unnoticed, with letters of thanks from two Georgia Governors, District Attorneys from several Georgia counties, Police Chiefs, Atlanta City Councilmen, State and US Congressmen, and several churches. One came from as far away as Honduras, from an orphanage that deals with drug-addicted street children.

"We are here to help anyone who is battling with drug addiction," concludes Mr. Weinand. "We offer free drug education and awareness courses, and look forward to our continued expansion so we can achieve our dream of a drug-free Southeast."

For more information on drug addiction rehabilitation or drug education, call Narconon of Georgia at 1-877-413-3073.
 
Copyright © 2008. Narconon of Georgia Inc.(www.drugsno.com) Call 1-877-413-3073. All rights reserved. Narconon and the Narconon Logo are trademarks and service marks owned by the Association for Better Living and Education International and are used with its permission.