ABOUT NARCONON LOS ANGELES
Set in the foothills of the Topatopa Mountains about 15 miles from the Pacific, Narconon Ojai is one of the addiction treatment organization’s newest and its most exclusive rehabilitation facilities, catering to artists and executives. Narconon provides holistic residential treatment to men and women struggling with chemical dependency. The program focuses on extensive physical, non-medical detoxification, followed by life skills development. Although based on the teachings of the founder of Scientology, L. Ron Hubbard, the rehabilitation centers are non-religious, according to the organization’s website. Narconon operates dozens of facilities worldwide, including its flagship program in Oklahoma and another Southern California site in Warner Springs.
TREATMENT & ASSESSMENT
The initial withdrawal process for clients is aided by nutrition and Narconon-unique techniques designed to alleviate pain. The second, longer detox process consists of exercise, hydration, sauna sessions, and continued nutritional therapy based on vitamins and supplements. During this stage of recovery, students learn about chemical recovery via instructional films. The third stage utilizes group sessions and focuses on self-knowledge, values, and life skills.
Although Narconon’s public information does not explicitly address dual diagnosis treatment of co-occurring mental health and substance use disorders, the integrated nature of the program implies attention to physical and psychosocial recovery. The one former client polled by Best-rehabs.com on the quality of this form of treatment provided a rating of five out of five stars.
According to the central Narconon website, successful recovery is generally based on a minimum three-month stay. The treatment regimen provides an alternative to 12-step programs.
STAFF CREDENTIALS
There is currently no information provided by Narconon regarding its treatment staff, beyond references to “experienced counselors.” At the time of this writing, Best-rehabs.com has received only one survey response from a former client asked to rate the level of staff training and experience; they awarded five stars.
ACCOMMODATIONS & AMENITIES
The Ojai facility, which opened in 2015, is set on 43 acres in the valley north of Los Angeles and east of Santa Barbara. Photographs feature a baby grand piano, billiards table, and luxurious furnishings in rooms brightly lit through big windows with stunning mountain views.
WHAT ALUMNI SAY
Limited feedback specific to Narconon Ojai is available at the time of this writing. The sole alum polled by Best-rehabs.com provided highly favorable opinions, beginning with a five-star rating of the effectiveness of treatment. They wrote that the program “helped improve myself personally.” In keeping with Narconon’s promoted approach, this alum also gave the quality of holistic treatment five stars, along with high ratings for other counseling options and family participation.
Data also indicated overall satisfaction with accommodations, although the reviewer identified food as a weakness in their written comments and the facility’s policies regarding connection with the outside received just a three-star rating.
WHAT FRIENDS & FAMILY SAY
Although the one loved one surveyed by Best-rehabs.com rated the effectiveness of treatment four stars, they indicated that they would not recommend the program, writing simply: “Questionable practices and legitimacy.”
CONCLUSION
There is currently no information provided on the facility’s website regarding its costs; however, the one alum polled awarded the program’s affordability four out of five stars.
Narconon International has been the target of several lawsuits, including a federal suit in 2014 alleging insufficient credentials for counselors, according to an Oklahoma TV news story. There is no reference to staff certification on the Ojai website. The parent organization was also named in a 2015 lawsuit alleging misrepresentation of treatment, according to the Santa Cruz Sentinel.