(School) Antidrug program with Scientology links to be investigated

Antidrug program with Scientology links to be investigated

The Associated Press
Last Updated: June 18, 2004, 01:20:24 PM PDT

SAN FRANCISCO (AP) - California's schools superintendent has ordered an investigation into a school antidrug program with ties to the Church of Scientology.

The popular program, called Narconon Drug Prevention and Education, has been used by schools nationwide for the past two decades. Hollywood-based Narconon has provided instruction in at least 20 school districts in California, including San Francisco and Los Angeles. Many teachers and students have praised the program.

But leading drug addiction experts say some of Narconon's medical theories are irresponsible and have no basis in fact. For example, the program teaches that drugs accumulate in body fat and can cause drug cravings and flashbacks for years; that saunas can sweat drugs out of the body; and that colored ooze is released when drugs leave the body.

Superintendent Jack O'Connell said he learned about the antidrug program when the San Francisco Chronicle published articles in early June that detailed links between Narconon's instruction and the Church of Scientology's religious teachings.

more... http://www.modbee.com/state_wire/story/8727724p-9604043c.htm