International Narconon Conference Highlights Six Decades of Drug Rehabilitation Success

In April 2026, executives and staff from Narconon drug rehab centers around the world gathered in Oklahoma to share their successes and celebrate a momentous anniversary. In the six decades since this program was founded, more than 47,000 individuals have not only broken free from their addictions, they also acquired the confidence and life skills to build new drug-free and sober lives.

Conference attendees flew in from all corners of the globe, including the United States, Italy, the United Kingdom, South Africa, Mexico, Nepal, Japan, Taiwan, and more. Their final destination was Narconon Arrowhead in Canadian, Oklahoma, the premier Narconon rehab and international training facility for the past 25 years. At this conference, the attendees not only celebrated this historic anniversary event but also shared their successes and coordinated plans for future expansion.

“60 years of service in support of individuals and families impacted by substance abuse.”

 

The attendees were honored with a Governor’s Commendation from Oklahoma Governor J. Kevin Stitt. The award recognized Narconon's “60 years of service in support of individuals and families impacted by substance abuse.” The Commendation also called this anniversary a milestone, reflecting the “longstanding commitment to community support and the importance of recovery-focused resources across Oklahoma.”

Also acknowledging the contributions of Narconon was Oklahoma State Representative Jim Grego of House District 17. He provided Narconon Arrowhead with a Citation of Congratulations from the State of Oklahoma, “in recognition of your outstanding contributions to the State of Oklahoma.” This recognition noted that Narconon Arrowhead has taken a leadership role, both as a flagship rehabilitation center and an international training facility, in the fight against addiction.

Opening the conference were Dhyana Nigro, Executive Director of Narconon International, and Rubina Qureshi, President of ABLE International. The Association for Better Living and Education (ABLE) provides support and resources to several social betterment organizations that tackle such problems as illiteracy and criminality, as well as drug addiction. These two conference leaders first focused on progress and growth over the past year.

The highlights of the past year of Narconon expansion included a presentation from Norah Gil, the Executive Director of the newest and most unique Narconon center: Narconon Jovenes in Navojoa, Mexico, which opened in October 2025. Narconon Jovenes is the first Narconon center in the world designed specifically for youth between the ages of 12 and 17. Gil shared stories about the enthusiastic community response, resulting in young people enrolling and beginning the program in the first few weeks and the life-changing successes since.

From North Macedonia, Sashka Dimevska, Executive Director of Narconon Balkan, described how she has helped build recognition for the Narconon program throughout her country and the region. In her many years at the center, they have received 14 certificates for philanthropy and community contributions. Dimevska acknowledged her whole team as being essential to that success, describing them as “people who believe that every life is worth saving.”

Then, from the central management office for Narconon Southern Europe, Giovanni Citterio told the story of the rehab network’s growth and achievements, especially in Italy. Citterio is the Executive Director of this central office and has spent more than four decades with the organization. He and his staff, along with Narconon graduates and their families, have been instrumental in making the Narconon solution known to those who need it.

 

From Narconon Colorado, Executive Director Glen Petcavage shared how he has been able to build strong relationships with health agencies and other local partners. Consistent community outreach has enabled many people in Colorado to learn about this effective path to recovery.

Other top-performing Narconon centers from around the world, including from Japan, Taiwan, and Nepal, also highlighted their most effective community programs, including Narconon drug education and prevention services.

Among the conference presentations was a review of the evidence-based research underlying the program’s New Life Detoxification process, a regimen incorporating physical exercise, dry heat sauna, and nutritional support aimed at addressing lingering physical effects associated with drug and alcohol use.

Nothing communicates the impact of this program like the words of someone who has just broken free from addiction. A recent Narconon Arrowhead graduate, “M.B." came to the microphone to tell how he had been struggling with severe alcohol dependency before he arrived. He said, “Become the best version of yourself for the world around us—sobriety is obtainable through the Narconon program.” He said he had been spiritually, physically, and mentally broken before arrival and left with clarity, improved health, and a sense of purpose for the future.

As the conference drew to a close, one theme stood out clearly: Narconon’s work is carried forward not only by its centers, but by the people whose lives have been changed because of it. From the United Kingdom, Europe, Asia, Africa, and the Americas, the organization’s network continues to expand with a shared purpose—helping individuals build drug-free, healthier, more stable, and more productive lives.