Chapter
The Transformation of Synanon to a Cult
1:10:08 - 1:16:41 (06:32)
Synanon, once a new age addiction treatment program, transformed into a money-hungry cult by allowing anyone to join who was willing to pay, using members' money to buy up gas stations and controlling members' lives with threats and violence.
Clips
Synanon, a drug treatment program founded in 1958 by Chuck Dederich, started acquiring real estate with the help of wealthy businessmen and lawyers, expanding its reach and welcoming non-drug-addicted professionals by the late 1960s.
1:10:08 - 1:11:51 (01:43)
Summary
Synanon, a drug treatment program founded in 1958 by Chuck Dederich, started acquiring real estate with the help of wealthy businessmen and lawyers, expanding its reach and welcoming non-drug-addicted professionals by the late 1960s. By 1968, it had 1100 members and had purchased real estate in various locations worth millions of dollars.
ChapterThe Transformation of Synanon to a Cult
EpisodePart One: Synanon: The Drug Rehab Program That Built Its Own Army
PodcastBehind the Bastards
The host jokes about the absurdities of starting a cult, including living on a property bought by wealthy donors, and owning a string of gas stations using the donations.
1:11:51 - 1:12:46 (00:55)
Summary
The host jokes about the absurdities of starting a cult, including living on a property bought by wealthy donors, and owning a string of gas stations using the donations.
ChapterThe Transformation of Synanon to a Cult
EpisodePart One: Synanon: The Drug Rehab Program That Built Its Own Army
PodcastBehind the Bastards
Synanon started as an addiction treatment program and evolved into a cult that allowed anyone to join as long as they gave the organization money.
1:12:47 - 1:16:41 (03:54)
Summary
Synanon started as an addiction treatment program and evolved into a cult that allowed anyone to join as long as they gave the organization money. Members who stepped out of line were controlled through various tactics, and the idea of letting members live independently was ultimately abandoned.