The Society on Addictions and the Hungarian Harm Reduction Association Issued a Joint Press Release on the Drug-free Marathon

Press Release

The Society on Addictions and the Hungarian Harm Reduction Association was astonished to learn that Pál Schmitt, Chairman of the Hungarian Olympic Committee, has joined other celebrities in supporting the Drug-free Marathon.

The Drug-Free Marathon, despite its showy slogans, is a project of the Church of Scientology. Thus, the honesty of their intention is disputable. The Church of Scientology does not acknowledge the warranty of psychiatric and psychological treatment and because of this, deny psychiatric and addiction treatments to drug users. In their anti-drug and prevention programs, the Church issues professionally unsound data.

We are concerned that these programs are seemingly publicized with no connection to the Church. The Society and Association find Mr.Schmitt’s statement about his willingness to make a deal with the Devil in order to save the youth from drugs, unacceptable. It is also of concern that public figures, olympic champions, actors and police officers have been mislead and that well-known multinational companies have sponsored the Church's ‘informative campaign,’ despite the doubtful authenticity of its claims.

We call upon all legal and private persons to reconsider their participation in this event. We suggest, instead, to support the work of experts and organizations dedicated to fulfill the criteria and leads of the National Drug Strategy by offering your name and funds.

Society on Addictions and the Hungarian Harm Reduction Association have issued a joint press release on the Drug-free Marathon

Society on Addictions
Hungarian Harm Reduction Association
April 21st, 2008