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About Narconon's Drug-Free Withdrawal

Going through a Narconon drug-free withdrawal (non-medical detoxification) and quitting something "cold turkey" are not the same thing. While suddenly stopping the usage of some drugs such as extremely heavy alcohol use, higher levels of methadone and several other prescription drugs can be hazardous, Narconon has trained withdrawal and medical staff to monitor the situations and people going through withdrawal are under 24-hour supervision. To aide in the withdrawal process, Narconon uses supplements and assistive procedures to relieve the aches and pains and help ease the person's mind and body. If someone were quitting cold turkey they wouldn't have anything at all to lessen the severity of withdrawal symptoms. People routinely go through Narconon's drug-free withdrawal even for difficult drugs like heroin and prescription painkillers.

According to Title 43A of the Oklahoma Statutes concerning Mental Health, "'Nonmedical detoxification' means detoxification services for intoxicated clients with no apparent physical or neurological symptoms requiring medical treatment as a result of their intoxication. Nonmedical detoxification includes providing a bed, oral administration of fluids, three meals a day and the taking of the client's temperature, blood pressure and pulse at least once every six (6) hours for the duration of the client's stay in the nonmedical detoxification service." Narconon's drug-free withdrawal has been found to be in compliance with such statutes, thus receiving certification.

When there is a serious risk of dangerous withdrawal symptoms, like a seizure, then Narconon medical staff ensure the clients are stepped down from the drugs safely at a medical detox facility before doing the drug-free withdrawal at a Narconon center.

If you have a question about how this procedure is done, then you can probably get a copy of their admissions procedures in writing or speak with one of their nursing staff or their medical director.