Municipalities give millions in tax money to the Scientology Movement's treatment home

Several hours-long sauna baths and large amounts of vitamins are some of the methods used for drug addiction at Narconon treatment home in Eslöv, which SVT can show in the new documentary "Attracted by Scientology". The methods were developed by L. Ron Hubbard, the founder of Scientology.

Stephen Kent, a sociology researcher at the University of Alberta, Canada, calls the Scientology Movement a "controlling, manipulative organization" and is strongly critical of Narconon's business.

- The purpose is to recruit people to Scientology. It is very clear, he says.

In 2008, SVT's Mission revealed the links between the Scanian treatment home and the Scientology movement and was able to show that their methods were harshly criticized by the National Board of Health's medical expert, who believed that the treatment was not scientifically based and therefore should not be allowed in Sweden.

Nevertheless, Swedish municipalities have continued to place people with drug problems at home, SVT's review shows. Narconon in Skåne has received a total of almost SEK 18 million from Swedish municipalities over the past nine years. Most investments are made by the City of Malmö, which in six years has paid almost seven million to the treatment home.

Anna von Reis, Head of Department at the Social Administration in Malmö, refers to a procurement made by the local municipal association with Narconon.

- When we place people with addictions, we obviously look at what is recommended in national guidelines. But then the individual's self-determination when it comes to choosing treatment is quite high.

The treatment home denies that they have links to the Scientology movement. Helen Svensson, deputy director, says they only pay a license fee to Narconon's international section to use their methods.

"It is probably only Håkan and Tomas who are Scientologists who work here," she says in SVT's documentary.

And Håkan is?

- Håkan is the director.

Inmates at the treatment center may also see an information film about Narconon, in which a speaker voice proclaims: “You do not become a Scientologist by completing the program. You may like to find out more about Scientology and L. Ron Hubbard if you wish ”.

After SVT asked questions about the purpose of the film, we are told that it is no longer shown to new patients.

- Then you have linked treatment with something else. The local government association, which made the procurement, should take a closer look, says Anna von Reis of Malmö City.