Narconon Colorado – A Life Worth Saving is an extensive program that takes an alternative holistic approach to rehabilitation, utilizing our own unique form of cognitive therapy and physical purification.
Narconon® does not employ traditional treatment methods such as the 12-Step approach. Although the 12-Step approach can be effective for some individuals, many addicts report that they do not respond well to the 12-Step philosophy. The 12-step approach was developed in the late 1930s by two individuals and was a limited solution at the time. However, it has not proven effective in treating the severe chemical addictions of today’s society. The modern world presents many challenges for addicts, such as the easy availability of cheap heroin, potent marijuana, Methamphetamines, and highly addictive prescription medications. Addressing the addict’s ability to handle life is crucial, as it empowers them to overcome their impulses and compulsions.
ABOUT NARCONON COLORADO – A LIFE WORTH SAVING
Located in Fort Collins, Colo., A Life Worth Saving is a Narconon residential treatment facility designed for adult men and women struggling with chemical dependency. Founded in 1971, Narconon is a non-traditional treatment program inspired by the teachings of L. Ron Hubbard, the founder of the Scientology religion. The Colorado location – A Life Worth Saving – was established in 2008 and offers non-medical detoxification on-site. The facility also offers medical detox off-site to clients when a doctor determines that it is medically necessary for a client’s safety.
TREATMENT & ASSESSMENT
According to the center’s website, a major component of the residential treatment program is the non-medical detoxification process. The program contends that drug or alcohol cravings are due to residual toxins (metabolites) left by chemical dependency. To that end, clients undergo detoxification through regular sauna sessions and receive high doses of vitamins and minerals.
The center’s website notes the detoxification process “lasts until both the physical and mental pain completely goes away,” but the entire treatment program averages 2.5 to 3.5 months long, but it may take longer.
Once an individual completes the detoxification process, they participate in coursework that is designed to increase life skills, communication skills, and mindfulness. These courses address issues such as living in the past, faulty perceptions, coping, and personal integrity. The twelve-step program is not utilized during treatment.
A Life Worth Saving provides follow-up care for six months after discharge, which involves regular communication with the facility. However, clients are welcome to call the facility after this time is up for any reason. A three-month residential aftercare program is also available for those who wish to complete an internship at the facility. For a fee, alumni receive room and board and train as an intern.
STAFF CREDENTIALS
The facility has certified addiction counselors on staff and has at least one person who is CPR trained and certified in the building. Some of the staff members are alumni of the program.
ACCOMMODATIONS & AMENITIES
The treatment facility is set near the Cache La Poudre River in Fort Collins. According to the program’s website, the Narconon Colorado facility is a “spacious, modern building,” and clients enjoy a range of indoor and outdoor recreational activities in their free time, such as playing sports and watching movies. Published photos also show comfortable communal areas, a fitness facility, and outdoor sitting areas.
WHAT ALUMNI SAY
At time of writing, the Narconon Colorado facility has received 18 user reviews from alumni, friends and family, and staff, of which four reviewers completed and submitted Best-rehabs.com surveys. While reviews leaned positive, responses were polarized, ranging from glowing endorsements to biting denouncements.
The one alum who was polled by Best-rehabs.com at time of writing had a negative experience with Narconon Colorado, and indicated they would not recommend the center. “DO NOT GO THERE,” alum B.B. wrote: “Insurance would not cover any of it. They failed all important categories and it’s Scientology.” They additionally gave low one-star ratings for various metrics, including exercise and leisure options, holistic offerings, and cleanliness.
Of the ten other alumni who provided user reviews, most were positive, with many highly recommending the facility to others in their commentary. Many alumni cited several years of sobriety and counting following their stay at the facility: “I am a former graduate of Narconon Colorado and this program literally saved my life.” one alum wrote, “I have been clean and sober for 3 and 1/2 years from all drugs including prescription drugs!” Another anonymous alum wrote, “Narconon saved my life and i will be forever grateful.”
The 43 people who left Google Reviews for the center at the time of this writing, provided a 4.2 out of five star average. Many alumni praised the staff in their Google Reviews, and some even credited the center with saving their lives. “I was addicted to opiates for 8 years,” Caitlin wrote in a representative review. “Narconon saved my life in so many ways.. The staff is amazing and so very helpful.”
Some individuals did raise concerns about the facility. “This is a front group for the church of Scientology, which is widely regarded as a cult,” Anthony wrote. “Look at the negative reviews letting you know this, amid all of the fake positive reviews posted by Scientology members.”
WHAT FRIENDS & FAMILY SAY
Of the six loved ones who submitted user reviews at time of writing, only three submitted surveys to Best-rehabs.com. Feedback is distinctly mixed and polarized, with some loved ones offering the facility high praise while others were extremely negative.
Claiming the program misrepresented itself through marketing, T.G., a parent of client, wrote: “Activities advertised were not offered.” Loved one J.J.J. added: “Non professional and like a cult.” The other loved one provided high ratings for most areas of treatment, including staff support and the experience level of counselors.
The other three loved ones who submitted user reviews were more positive. “Narconon Colorado and its caring and qualified staff saved my daughter’s life and are willing and able to do the same for you or your family as well,” one anonymous loved one wrote in an exceedingly positive review, detailing their experience during a daughter’s stay in treatment. “This was truly one of the best decisions I have ever made it literally saved my best friends life,” another loved one wrote, giving the facility perfect five-star ratings in every category.
CONCLUSION
According to its website, the program accepts most insurance plans, including Humana, Aetna, and Cigna.
The Narconon Colorado facility has faced multiple lawsuits over the last few years, including one in 2015 from a man who claimed he was held prisoner and forced to practice Scientology.
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