The Narconon Hungary Expansion Project

Volunteers have been providing basic Narconon services in Hungary for years, but it was not until June of 2011 that the full Narconon program was available in this Central European country of 9.9 million people. Just over two years ago, the Magyarország Alapítvány (“Hungary Foundation”) opened its doors, making it possible for people from across Hungary to take advantage of the drug rehabilitation program that is known across the world for helping addicts get off drugs for good.

The center is located in Garáb, a small village located in the forested hills a little over an hour’s drive to the north of Budapest. The center features architecture that fits right into its surroundings, with a building and woodwork that looks like it comes right out of days gone by. Despite the fact that it was opened only two years ago, the Narconon Hungary center has already outgrown its original quarters and has recently been compelled to expand, adding another building to the campus in Garáb. The staff and executives of the center hosted an event in June of this year to mark the center’s expansion and to celebrate their success over the past two years in bringing effective solutions for drug addiction to the people of Hungary.

Like nearly any other nation on the list of developed countries, Hungary suffers from serious struggles with drug abuse and addiction. After casting off the Iron Curtain with the fall of the Soviet Union, the nation found itself facing the spread of drugs throughout society. Currently, the most commonly used drugs in Hungary include marijuana, amphetamines, and ecstasy, with these and other drugs being widely available in the capital Budapest as well as in other areas of the country. A 2007 survey found that 8.5% of Hungarians between the ages of 18-34 had smoked pot at least once in their lifetime, while 2.4% had used ecstasy and 1.8% had tried amphetamines. The Narconon Hungary center is working to reduce these statistics and help the people of that nation to live happy and drug-free lives through education and prevention efforts, as well as the rehabilitation treatment program delivered in Garáb.

Celebrations of Success and Expansion for Narconon Hungary

The recent celebrations at the Narconon Hungary center were spread across three days of festivities. The staff and executives of the organization hosted more than 200 guests, with those in attendance including graduates of the program and members of their families, mayors from nearby cities and others. While the main focus of the event was the opening of new accommodations right next to the existing building, that was not all that occurred during the celebrations. Executives visiting from the regional Narconon office located in Copenhagen presented the Narconon Hungary staff with a plaque in recognition of their efforts and success at not only establishing the treatment center but also making it expand so successfully over the past two years. A fundraiser was held to provide money for a scholarship established for individuals who have been involuntarily drugged, as in the case of a young woman who was unknowingly slipped drugs at a club. Guests were entertained with music performed by a harpist who is among the most celebrated young musicians in Hungary, as well as a concert by rock group Plaktron. Artist Gregor Gall displayed an exhibition of his dynamic bronze statues.

Guests also attended an evening banquet at which many individuals were recognized for their contributions and support in making the opening and expansion of Narconon Hungary possible. The entire event was scheduled to coincide with the United Nations’ International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking. Narconon International president sent a message to the staff and guests of the event, saying that “addiction is a serious problem everywhere on the globe. It is not an easy task to help the addicted. We appreciate the help of Narconon Garáb provides in overcoming this deadly problem in Hungary.”

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Narconon Hungary Celebrates Expansion with Hundreds of Supporters