ABOUT NARCONON FRESH START – NEWPORT BEACH
Located on the coastline of Newport Beach, Calif., Fresh Start (formerly Narconon Southern California) is a Narconon residential treatment facility designed for adults struggling with chemical dependency. Narconon is a non-traditional treatment model inspired by the teachings of Scientology and its founder, L. Ron Hubbard. Fresh Start offers non-medical detoxification on-site.
TREATMENT & ASSESSMENT
Detoxification is a large component of Narconon’s philosophy and the crux of its treatment model. Narconon contends that drug or alcohol cravings experienced by those in recovery is due to residual toxins (metabolites) that are left by chemical dependency. To flush out these toxins, clients undergo a series of detoxifying sauna sessions. As these toxins are flushed out, clients receive a regimen of vitamins and minerals.
Once individuals complete the detoxification phase of treatment, they participate in programming that consists of practical coursework. According to the program’s website, these life skills courses are “designed to restore power of choice and put clients back in control over their lives.” Issues that the program addresses include assertive communication, healthy coping skills, mindfulness, and problem solving. Narconon does not support 12-step philosophies or practices.
According to the program’s website, Fresh Start is a “time variable program,” and clients progress at their own pace. While no information is provided concerning aftercare provisions, the website claims the “treatment program is open-ended and there is no additional cost.” This suggests that alumni may be invited to work at the facility after treatment, which is a common practice of other residential Narconon programs.
STAFF CREDENTIALS
There is currently no information provided by the facility regarding its treatment staff.
ACCOMMODATIONS & AMENITIES
There is currently no information provided by the facility regarding its living arrangements and related offerings. The four individuals (alumni and loved ones) surveyed by Best-rehabs.com at the time of this writing provided an average rating of 4.25 out of five for the facility’s overall accommodations.
WHAT ALUMNI SAY
The sole former client polled by Best-rehabs.com at the time of this writing praised all aspects of the program, providing five-star ratings for both individual and group counseling sessions, as well as staff support. Reporting six years of sobriety, alum Sadie told Best-rehabs.com: “They taught me to be strong and take responsibility. They reeducated me on all the small stuff again.”
WHAT FRIENDS & FAMILY SAY
Two out of the three loved ones polled by Best-rehabs.com also provided stellar reviews for most aspects of the facility. Michael, a father of a former client, wrote: “This treatment was a life changing experience for my son. He has stayed clean, running his own business and has had successful relationships.”
Yet Laurie, a mother of a former client, strongly disagreed. Describing the program as a “total scam,” she commented: The worst rehab out there. Way too much to go into right now. I would sue them if I could.”
WHAT STAFF SAY
While Best-rehabs.com has only received feedback from one employee to date, the staff member submitted five-star ratings for all elements of treatment evaluated, including the overall quality of treatment and the loyalty of patients. The staff member said the program help clients “deal with the issues that led them down the path of addiction.”
CONCLUSION
There is currently no information provided on the facility’s website regarding its costs.
Narconon is a highly controversial treatment organization, and multiple facilities have been sued over the years for fraud and wrongful death. The Newport Beach location has also received ongoing criminal complaints, lawsuits, and community referendums to shut down.
Published June 2016