A newly released Paramount+ docuseries, “Born In Synanon,” delves into the disturbing transformation of Synanon, a Southern California-based drug rehabilitation organization, into a notorious cult. The series, which began streaming recently, examines the group’s evolution from a promising social experiment to a violent and manipulative cult under the leadership of Charles E. “Chuck” Dederich.
Origins and Ideology
Synanon was established in 1958 by Dederich, an alcoholic who had found solace in Alcoholics Anonymous (AA). Observing that AA did not cater to drug addicts, Dederich created Synanon to fill this gap. Initially, it was a revolutionary rehab program that altered public perception about treating drug addiction. Dederich’s core belief was that drug addicts needed tough love to overcome their addictions, an approach that initially garnered widespread support.
Dederich’s Leadership and Transformation
Dederich’s charismatic leadership played a crucial role in Synanon’s growth. Born in 1913, he struggled with alcoholism from an early age. His organization, which he started in his apartment, soon amassed $30 million in assets, attracting followers and donations nationwide. However, the organization gradually morphed into a cult-like entity. Members were required to live on the compound, shave their heads, and wear similar clothing, signifying their obedience to Dederich, who began exhibiting increasingly manipulative and violent behavior.
The Synanon Game and Control Tactics
Synanon’s notorious “Game” was a method of control and brainwashing disguised as group therapy. Members were encouraged to criticize each other harshly, and these sessions sometimes led to physical violence. Over time, the “Game” became a tool for enforcing Dederich’s will, including forced abortions and vasectomies, and inciting violence.
Expansion and Legal Issues
The group expanded significantly, acquiring properties and establishing a school with an innovative educational philosophy. However, legal issues soon surfaced, with investigations into Synanon’s practices, including unlicensed medical activities and tax evasion. Dederich declared Synanon a tax-exempt religious organization, the “Church of Synanon,” to counter these allegations.
Escalation of Violence and Legal Crackdown
Violence became a hallmark of Synanon under Dederich’s leadership. An internal group known as the “Imperial Marines” was responsible for numerous violent acts. The situation escalated with the notorious rattlesnake attack on attorney Paul Morantz, who had filed a lawsuit against Synanon. This incident, along with extensive negative media coverage, led to a law enforcement investigation.
Downfall and Aftermath
The legal scrutiny, coupled with internal issues, led to Synanon’s downfall. Dederich was arrested and later prohibited from managing Synanon, which struggled to survive without his leadership. The Internal Revenue Service’s revocation of its tax-exempt status and a demand for $17 million in back taxes were the final blows, leading to Synanon’s dissolution in 1991.
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