At a warm celebration in late September, Juan Luis Dominguez, National Director of Narconon Spain, welcomed fifty Narconon graduates along with 150 parents to share the wins and successes of living drug-free. "75% of our graduates achieve stable, life-long sobriety," Dominguez said. Among many success stories shared at the event, one parent said, "Thankfully, we found a Narconon center flyer, and we contacted them. What a blessing! Our son found the right direction in a wonderful rehab center with a great staff. He has regained his life and is totally recovered, married today with two children and a good job."
Meanwhile, similar good news was being spread down at Narconon Il Gabbiano's 14th anniversary in Melendugno, near Salento, Italy. The Narconon drug rehabilitation program has been in Italy since 1981. The Gabbiano center has expanded since its founding in 1995 to be able to house 100 students, the largest European Narconon complement at this time.
Mayor Vittorio Poti presided over a crowd of 200, including local authorities and parents and graduates. Drugs, of course, have long been a serious problem in southern Italy, and the Mayor spoke expansively of "the very interesting continuing collaboration between the city of Melendugno and Narconon Il Gabbiano."
Daniela Prattella, director of the Gabbiano drug rehab, said that "Narconon has been united with our surrounding communities against drug and alcohol abuse, now more than ever." In addition to rehabilitation, Italian Narconon centers have been commended for delivering extensive drug education to children and young adults as well as creating public awareness events.
"Happiness and strength endure only in the absence of hate. To hate alone is the road to disaster. To love is the road to strength. To love in spite of all is the secret of greatness. And may very well be the greatest secret in this universe."