An unregulated drug rehabilitation center affiliated with the Church of Scientology has subjected mentally ill people to intensive psychological exercises, reportedly leaving them ‘traumatized’ and into ‘trance-like’ states, an investigation by the Observer can reveal.
Former Narconon UK patients and staff say vulnerable people seeking help for addiction were expected to undertake mental exercises, similar to those used in Scientology’s controversial ‘auditing’ process, at a remote site in rural Sussex.
Before they arrived, they thought Narconon offered a holistic approach to rehabilitation and were drawn by promises that it could help them become “drug-free for good.”
In a phone call with an undercover reporter, a Narconon salesman also claimed that the program was “unrelated” to Scientology. But over a three-month period, participants were reportedly subjected to methods virtually identical to those used by the religious movement.
In some cases, they would participate in the repetitive “exercises” for so long, while in a vulnerable state due to their mental health or past substance use, that they would zone out, become paranoid or collapse, according to supporting testimony from people familiar with the program. Participants were also said to feel suicidal and as if their minds had been ‘shattered’ by the exercises – which often involved following commands such as ‘get up, sit down’, or pointing to various objects. The exercises could last up to five hours a day for weeks.
Narconon said the exercises, based on writings by Scientology founder L Ron Hubbard, were “mentally taxing” and required discipline but had helped save lives. It said it was not a religious doctrine but had a “positive secular application.”
Experts and witnesses compared the methods to a form of obedience training. People who worked at the facility were also expected to complete the program.
The allegations raise questions about how a rehab clinic with links to one of the world’s most controversial religious movements, accused of abuse, can operate unregulated in Britain.
The Narconon facility in Sussex, on a nine-acre campus near the town of Heathfield, was marketed as “world-class” and listed in an NHS guide. But it has not been inspected since 2016 and has never been reviewed to ensure the program is effective or safe. Instead, it has operated without oversight for the past five years due to a regulatory loophole Observer research has shown, and remains free from the same scrutiny that other addiction programs face.
Although the Care Quality Commission (CQC) oversees substance abuse services, it said the Narconon program did not fall within its remit and suggested this was because its approach was “alternative”.
It said the service was not known to conduct any regulated activities and had been considered dormant since 2019.
Data released under freedom of information laws shows that the watchdog received 14 complaints in that time that it did not formally investigate, saying it was under no obligation to do so. Despite this, Narconon continues to display a “good” CQC rating on its website, based on a previous inspection that assessed the accommodation, management and provision of personal care – but not the program itself.
Dr. David Bremner, medical director of the addiction treatment organization Turning Point, said the loophole shows the need for better regulation. The Ministry of Health declined to comment.
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The Observer Research also shows that Narconon is more closely linked to Scientology than it suggests. Its activities are supported by the Narconon Trust, which is funded primarily by the International Association of Scientologists. Senior associates are members of the Church.
In the Scientology “auditing” process, Scientologists complete exercises that they believe will help them become spiritually enlightened. To learn the skills Scientology believes are necessary for auditing, followers participate in a series of exercises known as “training routines.” These include following repetitive commands, sitting completely still, or undergoing sustained interrogations – which are very similar to the exercises used in Narconon.
Prof. Sally Marlow, from the Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience at King’s College London, said the approach did not sound therapeutic. “It’s extremely concerning,” she said.
Narconon UK, the charity behind the facility, says the “students” were assessed by a GP prior to the programme. This program also includes long sauna sessions, high doses of vitamins and costs around £15,000. It said it was not medical treatment and had no patients, so did not need to be registered with the CQC as a substance abuse service. Sheila Maclean, Narconon UK manager, said it was “deeply regrettable” that some people “did not continue” with the methods but insisted they were safe. “Even the best-run services have their critics,” she said.