In our interviews with former public Scientologists over the years, two recurring remarks occured: a) They were embarrassed to tell their family and friends how much money they were actually spending on Scientology, or b) they kept their Scientology involvement secret from everyone outside of Scientology.

And yet, despite the secrecy and money, these people stayed in Scientology. Some told us they felt obsessed about, and addicted to, Scientology.

From the DSM-5, below are listed the criteria for dependence: At least two of the following criteria must be met over a 12-month period for a person to be considered dependent.  

How does this align to a person’s participation in Scientology at any point on the Bridge? Are new members as addicted to Scientology as long-term members on SOLO NOTs? 

DSM-5 diagnostic criteria for dependence. At least two of the following criteria must be met over a 12-month period.

Criteria

The substance is often taken in larger amounts or over a longer period than was intended

There is a persistent desire or unsuccessful efforts to cut down or control use of the substance

A great deal of time is spent in activities necessary to obtain the substance, use the substance, or recover from its effects

Craving, or a strong desire or urge to use the substance

Recurrent use of the substance resulting in a failure to fulfill major role obligations at work, school, or home

Continued use of the substance despite having persistent or recurrent social or interpersonal problems caused or exacerbated by the effects of its use

Important social, occupational, or recreational activities are given up or reduced because of use of the substance

Recurrent use of the substance in situations in which it is physically hazardous

Use of the substance is continued despite knowledge of having a persistent or recurrent physical or psychological problem that is likely to have been caused or exacerbated by the substance

Tolerance, as defined by either of the following:
a) a need for markedly increased amounts of the substance to achieve intoxication or the desired effect
b) a markedly diminished effect with continued use of the same amount of the substance

Withdrawal, as manifested by either of the following:
a) the characteristic withdrawal syndrome for the substance
b) the substance (or a closely related substance) is taken to relieve or avoid withdrawal symptoms