The origins of the name “Synanon” are unclear, with various theories including that it was a portmanteau of “synergy” and “anon,” an acronym for “Save Your Neighbourhood from Narcotics,” or a mispronunciation of “Sinanon” (Sins Anonymous). Despite originally starting as the “Tender Loving Care Club,” Synanon’s founder Charles Dederich rented a storefront in the shady Venice neighborhood to start his addiction recovery program.