Introduction
by Megan Shields, MD
I have been associated
with the Narconon Program for nearly 20 years.
As a medical doctor
practicing in a family medical clinic serving a broad cross-section
of the public, I have seen the increase in persons arriving in my
clinic who have damaged themselves and the lives of those around
them as a result of alcohol and other drug abuse. No different than
any other doctor, I have observed with sorrow the increasing numbers
of people who descend at a frightening rate from what they certainly
thought was "experimentation" or "recreation"
into compulsion to use, and addiction to drugs.
I have never liked
the concept of using drugs and medications to solve the problems
created by drugs and medication. There is a place for medication,
but it is defined and limited. Therefore, from the very beginning
of my practice it was a serious concern for me to know where I could
refer patients for help either for themselves or for a family member
or friend.
As a doctor it was
evident to me that the long-term physical, mental and emotional
consequences of drug use had something to do with the residual effects
of the drugs themselves. This was clearly the case as well with
environmental and industrial toxins and such poisons as lead in
wall paint eaten by children, firemen inhaling smoke fumes containing
toxins, etc.
Customary medical procedures
held no solution to this problem of drug and toxic residuals. Various
"treatments" have been proffered, ranging from the psychiatric
viewpoint of getting the person to believe the problem he was experiencing
from toxins was all in his mind, to the administration of drugs
to suppress the symptoms exhibited. These "treatments"
only served to compound the problem. But with the release of the
Narconon New Life Detoxification Program which utilized the researches
of L. Ron Hubbard, I discovered that we had a solution at hand.
The depression, hopelessness
and fear which so often accompany such problems were evident in
many of my patients. Upon completion of the Narconon Program, to
which I had referred them, these persons were changed both physically
and mentally. The common theme expressed by those who had completed
it is that they were no longer encumbered by the chemicals which
were shutting off their lives. They expressed increased mental clarity
and new hope for the future. Their lives upon completion of the
program were happier, healthier, and more productive. Beyond the
detoxification program, the benefits of the Narconon practical skills
courses were an important part of their stable recovery. I was pleased
to see even the most "hard-core", seemingly hopeless cases
recuperate and salvage their lives.
There is not often
good news in our struggle with the consequences of alcohol and other
drug abuse in our society. I am happy to say that the Narconon program
is good news. I encourage you to review it carefully and consider
utilizing it. Many years ago I did and I have been able to save
many lives as a result.
Respectfully,
Megan Shields, MD
Dr. Shields graduated
from the Medical College of Virginia and is a Diplomat of the American
Board of Family Practice. She is a frequent presenter at conferences
on Substance Abuse and Public Health as well as being the author
of many scientific papers on the role of detoxification.
CONTINUE
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Addiction
Facts 