"An Evaluation of a Detoxification Programme for Long-Term Stored
Chemicals" is the title of a paper first published in 1981 and then
appearing in Medical Hypothesis September 1982 by myself in concert
with two colleagues: Megan Shields M.D. and Steven Burton M.D.
This paper was the result of extensive study and testing of the
Detoxification Programme developed by L. Ron Hubbard. The following are
excerpts from the publication outlining some of our findings:
The purpose of this current study is to evaluate and document
clinically observed physical or psychological changes that occur upon
conclusion of the Detoxification Programme. In addition to clinical
evaluations, psychological tests and standard blood chemistry were
performed.
One hundred and three volunteers were selected to represent varying
degrees of drug usage. California guidelines for human experimentation
were followed, and informed consent obtained from all participants.
Volunteers were accepted on a first-application-received basis, covering
the spectrum from heavy (i.e. frequent heroin usage, hallucinogenics,
frequent or severe use of medical drugs) to no drug usage. Most of the
participants were from Hollywood population at large and twenty were
from Narconon Los Angeles. The volunteers were interviewed and
demographic data (statistical data showing average age, income,
education, etc.) was collected. This data was used to ensure a
cross-section of drug users and of the general population were included
in the study.
A large variety of incidents occurred as individuals progressed
through the programme which were suggestive of drugs or chemicals being
released from the body. There were reports of brief, full-blown "LSD
trips" with hallucinations; some participants who had ether (a
colourless, sweet-smelling liquid used as an anaesthetic) would smell
like ether in the sauna; old injuries would flare up with swelling or
redness along surgery lines and then resolve over a few days. The
flushing that followed ingestion of niacin frequently would occur along
lines of bathing suits or old sunburns; this would diminish over a few
days then re-occur in a different pattern. It was not unusual to have a
person re-experience the physical condition associated with taking a
certain drug or anaesthetic. For instance, one patient complained of
onset of mild pain in the lower right quarter of the body, nausea, light
headedness and reddening of an old appendix scar line. This occurred the
next two days at lessening severity and then was gone in three days.
The programme appears safe as long as done under the care of a
physician. The exercise and sauna are tolerated very well as long as
they are begun on a gradient. As with any major physical exercise
programme, however, general physical condition and physical health need
to be monitored. The authors feel this programme is unadvisable for any
person with heart disease or any other major physical disabilities
unless directly done under the supervision of a physician who is willing
to work out a specific exercise, sauna and vitamin programme for the
patient.
Since the first publication of the above findings, tens of thousands of
people have successfully undergone this programme, and the theories
presented in this book are gaining increasing acceptance amongst medical
doctors and scientists.
