No. There are no dietary laws whatsoever and no general prohibitions against smoking or drinking. However, Scientology does have a mandatory rule banning the consumption of any alcohol within twenty-four hours of or during an auditing session or training. The effects of the alcohol would make it impossible to benefit from these religious services.

Smoking is forbidden in course rooms or during auditing sessions since it would distract oneself and others. Rules for student behavior are laid out in a Church policy called the “Student’s Guide to Acceptable Behavior.”

Do Scientologists use medical doctors?

Yes. The Church of Scientology has always encouraged its staff and parishioners to see medical doctors to handle the physical aspect of any illness or injury. Once a Scientologist with a physical condition receives the needed medical treatment he can resume his auditing and so handle any spiritual trauma connected with the physical condition. Many medical doctors also are Scientologists.

In Scientology does one have to sacrifice one’s individuality?

No. People are unique, despite all the problems and aberrations they have in common. As they become disentangled from the stimulus-response part of their mind, they become more themselves, more unique, more individual and learn to believe in themselves. In fact, becoming more aware of and able to express one’s own unique beingness is encouraged in Scientology. Scientology teaches one to maintain his personal integrity and develop fully as an individual.

What benefits can one get from Scientology?

Scientology resolves the problems of man by addressing the spiritual travails which hold those difficulties in place. As these barriers begin to fall away, one gains the ability to communicate in relationships, whether with family members and spouses, friends or even mere acquaintances. He becomes free of stress and finds new enjoyment in life. Yet more importantly, a Scientologist gains an understanding of himself spiritually, discovers his true potentials and recovers the certainty of his own immortality as a spiritual being.