The History of Narconon

Listen to part of one of the earliest recorded Narconon Drug Prevention School talks in1968.  The Founder William Benitez talks to Arizona Scottsdale High School. (10mins)

The humanitarian and researcher L. Ron Hubbard gathered extensive data on the effects of drugs and alcohol during his researches into the field. These extended from the early 1950’s right through to the end of the 1970’s.

In 1966 he gave all his researches and solutions at that point to William Benitez. Mr Benitez formed the first Narconon, based on these solutions, in Arizona State Prison from where he had written to Mr Hubbard asking for help.

He had just started a sentence but was desperately looking for an answer to addiction for himself and other inmates. Mr Benitez formed the word Narconon from the Greek words Narco-, meaning stupor and -non meaning no. He was so successful with the initial programme that he was paroled shortly afterwards and it was his initial work and impetus that helped the organisation become the international success it is today, with branches in 38 countries around the world.

In the late 1970’s the then President of Narconon, John Duff, realised the need for effective drug education and along with others developed the Truth About Drugs format. Mr Duff assembled his data primarily from L. Ron Hubbard’s researches in the field and augmented this with established physiological facts about narcotics and alcohol. The number of students and groups around the world who have received Narconon Drug Education is now well into seven figures. Success stories and positive feedback from attendees still continues.

"Drugs rob life of the sensations and joys which are the only reason for living anyhow"

L. RON HUBBARD