Narconon Colorado

ABOUT NARCONON COLORADO

Located in Fort Collins, Narconon Colorado - also known as A Life Worth Saving - offers holistic care to adults struggling with chemical dependency. Founded in 1971, Narconon is a non-traditional treatment program inspired by the teachings of L. Ron Hubbard, the founder of Scientology.

The Colorado location was established in 2008 and is one of 16 (4.2 percent of 381 total) facilities in the state to provide non-hospital, residential detox services. Narconon is included in the just 10 percent of Colorado addiction treatment facilities offering long-term residential programming of more than 30 days. Narconon also operates locations in Arrowhead in Canadian, Okla. and Suncoast in Clearwater, Fla.

TREATMENT & ASSESSMENT

Treatment at Narconon Colorado begins with a medical exam. Typically, the residential program last at least four months. While the typical approach is drug-free and homeopathic, detox may be medically supported when necessary, according to the facility’s website.

A core component of Narconon's programming, the detox process is designed to help clients get rid of residual toxins through daily sauna use and a regimen of vitamin and mineral supplements. The stated goal after detox is for clients to develop self-control and self-worth.

While undergoing detoxification, clients complete coursework focused on effective communication, problem-solving skills, social values and personal integrity, correct perceptions, and mindfulness. Family programming involves advice and updates regarding a loved one’s progress.

Aftercare is available to graduates of the A Life Worth Saving program. The facility offers six months of consultation via phone, as well as an additional three-month residential internship (volunteer) program at the facility.

STAFF CREDENTIALS

According to the facility’s website, treatment team members include a medical doctor and certified addiction counselors (CAC). Some of the staff members are alumni of the program. Narconon Colorado is among the 20 percent of substance abuse treatment facilities accredited by the Joint Commission.

ACCOMMODATIONS & AMENITIES

This facility is located near the Cache La Poudre River in Fort Collins. According to the program’s website, Narconon Colorado is set in a “spacious, modern building,” and clients enjoy a range of indoor and outdoor recreational activities in their free time, such as playing sports and watching movies. Photos depict exercise equipment, plushly furnished communal areas, table tennis, volleyball courts, and basketball courts.

Residents are welcome to bring personal games, books, and musical instruments with them, and the facility provides transportation to a church of the resident’s choice on Sundays if requested. To date, the four individuals polled by Rehabs.com on various metrics were moderately critical of the facilities.

Cleanliness: 2.8/5
Exercise and Leisure: 2.3/5

WHAT ALUMNI SAY

Feedback for Narconon Colorado from alumni was predominantly favorable at the time of this writing. Of 13 alumni polled by Rehabs.com, 11 (85 percent) indicated that the former client would recommend this facility to others.

Frequently cited strengths included treatment effectiveness after other attempts failed, and empathetic and knowledgeable staff. In a representative comment, alum J.P. wrote: “Gave me the tools to live a productive and meaningful life that I no longer want or feel the need to escape.” However, two alumni reported concerns with inadequate counseling services.

On Google, 65 individuals rated Narconon Colorado 4.4 out of five stars on average. In a representative review, alum S.V. wrote: “Didnt have anymore urges or triggers to use again.”^[1] Complaints echoed those on Rehabs.com, especially cost and absence of traditional counseling.

Four alumni reviews on Yelp were split evenly between one-star and five-star ratings. Positive feedback followed trends elsewhere, while no specifics were provided for low ratings.^{[2] [3]}

WHAT FRIENDS & FAMILY SAY

The four loved ones polled by Rehabs.com provided polarized opinions. One parent claimed Narconon Colorado misrepresented itself through marketing, while another described Narconon Colorado as “Non professional.” The other two loved ones particularly emphasized the long-term success and support they saw as part of the program.

FINANCING

According to the facility’s website, Narconon Colorado (A Life Worth Saving) accepts most insurance plans, including Humana, Aetna, and Blue Cross Blue Shield at the time of this writing.

CONCLUSION

In January 2019, a local news station reported a lawsuit alleging negligence and false advertising against the Narconon location in Arrowhead, Okla. Other related lawsuits include one filed in Oklahoma in 2018 and another settled previously in Georgia.

^[1] GoogleReviews
^[2] https://www.yelp.com/biz/narconon-colorado-fort-collins
^[3] https://www.yelp.com/notrecommendedreviews/narconon-colorado-fort-collins