LOS ANGELES

A new peer-reviewed study published in the Journal of International Medical Research offers evidence of the benefits of the Narconon New Life Detoxification protocol and its potential value in addressing high relapse rates found in drug and alcohol rehabilitation programs.

This data also points the way to possible solutions to the growing opioid crisis in America.

The Narconon New Life Detoxification protocol, unique in the drug rehabilitation field, was shown to provide relief for protracted withdrawal symptoms such as slowed thinking, emotional imbalance, anxiety, anger, relationship difficulties and other manifestations believed to be contributing factors to relapse. The elements of the Narconon detoxification protocol include low-heat sauna, aerobic exercise and vitamin and mineral supplements.

This study is believed to be the largest to date of a sauna-based chemical detoxification regimen targeting post-acute withdrawal symptoms within a comprehensive drug and alcohol treatment program.

Researchers reviewed daily medical records of 109 Narconon clients who also completed pre- and post-detoxification health, satisfaction, addiction severity and quality-of-life surveys. Clients also completed these surveys at enrollment and at the time of their discharge from the program. The majority of the participants (58) listed opiates as their primary drug of abuse.

Upon completion of the sauna program, every participant noted positive improvements, including improved energy, mental clarity, emotional stability, reduced cravings, greater well-being and a positive life outlook. Only three individuals were unable to complete the regimen: two learned they were pregnant (the regimen is inappropriate during pregnancy) and one had an unrelated situation arise. Although participants reported transient discomforts, these resolved quickly, with clients reporting daily improvements.

At several points during the Narconon program, participants answered the standardized RAND SF-36 survey questions. The RAND SF-36 is a broadly used health-related quality-of-life questionnaire that measures physical functioning, role limitations due to physical health and emotional problems and social functioning. The survey is given at enrollment, before the New Life Detoxification protocol, at the protocol's completion, as well as at program completion. Before starting the Narconon sauna regimen, RAND health-related quality-of-life scores were well below those measured in healthy people in the United States.

The results showed that immediately following the New Life Detoxification protocol, participants' RAND SF-36 scores rose to well-above "normal" and their health-related quality of life continued to improve throughout the balance of the approximately three-month program, which includes life skills, behavioral therapies and education.

"This study provides validation for what I have experienced as the medical director of a Narconon facility and an emergency room physician," said Dr. Rohit Adi, MD, DABM, chairman of the Narconon International Science Advisory Board. "While the initial life-threatening symptoms of drug withdrawal receive the majority of attention during detox (acute withdrawal), symptoms often persist beyond this initial period and can contribute to the overall chance of relapse. The New Life Detoxification protocol eases and, in many cases, eliminates these symptoms and helps prevent relapse."

The Narconon New Life Detoxification protocol is used on a daily basis in 38 centers. Since its inclusion in the program, over 50 years ago, graduates have consistently reported a significant reduction in cravings and an increase in overall health and well-being.

Narconon is a nonprofit drug and alcohol rehabilitation program with a 50-year track record operating in 18 countries. For more information, visit https://www.narconon.org.

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