SPT: Narconon Clearwater--- dangerous and worthless

Message-ID: <3E88BBF8.5010809@fornikulture.com>
Date: Mon, 31 Mar 2003 17:06:48 -0500
From: "M. Krotz"
Subject: Re: SPT: Narconon Clearwater

The following is my email sent to local and state politicians and the courts regarding Narconon in Clearwater:

I read an article in the St. Petersburg Times of Sunday, March 30, 2003, in which it was stated that the drug treatment program called Narconon is being considered for approval for either local or state funding, or for referrals from the court system. I am extremely concerned that anyone would consider this program for any legitimate funding or approval, as it has no credible proof of its success rate or claims of benefits from the "purification rundown." In fact, the dangers are well known. Narconon advocates lengthy saunas and high doses of Niacin, which can result in liver damage. And while Narconon spokespeople constantly deny their affiliation with Scientology, their own magazines and documents prove that it operates both as a recruitment arm of Scientology, and as a method to bring Scientology's controversial practices more into the "mainstream."

The website http://www.narconon-exposed.org is an excellent source of factual information about Narconon, and I would suggest anyone considering this group for funding or referrals read up on it.

Narconon spokesperson R. Michael Wisner, often seen on TV touting this program, had a son named Gregor Wisner who went through Narconon several years ago. His son later relapsed and was recently found dead in the Gulf of Mexico with cocaine in his system. I had met Gregor once, and he was friends with some people I know. I have been told by many them that he was very conflicted regarding the pressure to pursue Scientology, as his parents are involved in the group. Narconon did not help Gregor in the least, and his family all but ignored him toward the end of his life. He was 27.

I also know a former Scientologist named Tory Bezazian. She left Scientology in 2000, and has written and spoken extensively about her experiences. Narconon and Scientology advocate virtually no drug use, down to even the use of aspirin. Tory was taking medication for epilepsy, and she was repeatedly pressured to stop taking this medicine. She suffered adverse effects when she did not take her medication, and very easily could have died had she continued ignoring medical advice.

I feel that in no way should Narconon be considered for any official recognition, referrals or funding. I sincerely hope that you will research this group thoroughly and come to the same conclusion. Not only is it dangerous on its face, it is simply a front for vulnerable people to enter Scientology, while appealing to the public as a supposed positive force to help people quit drugs. Narconon and Scientology advocate dangerous and unproven approaches to addiction and drug use, and the government has no business supporting such an organization.

Thank you for you time and consideration.

Michael Krotz
PO Box xxx
St. Petersburg, FL
(727) xxx-xxxx