In Rory Kennedy’s four-part HBO documentary “The Synanon Fix,” the director explores Synanon, an organization formed in Santa Monica and designed to assist individuals struggling with drug addiction. Established in 1958 by Charles “Check” Dederich, a former alcoholic, Synanon was the country’s first in-patient rehabilitation center designed for people suffering from dependency issues. Dederich was among the first to try to have drug addicts help each other instead of relying on therapists or medications.
After attracting donations from people around the country who wanted to help the rehab facility, Synanon metastasized into a “nonprofit” with more than $30 million in assets including communal properties and farms in California. Members, who consisted of addicts was well as “squares” (non-drug users), were encouraged to participate in the Synanon Game, which was attack talk therapy. Children were isolated from their parents and raised by caregivers. Eventually members shaved their heads and had to...
After attracting donations from people around the country who wanted to help the rehab facility, Synanon metastasized into a “nonprofit” with more than $30 million in assets including communal properties and farms in California. Members, who consisted of addicts was well as “squares” (non-drug users), were encouraged to participate in the Synanon Game, which was attack talk therapy. Children were isolated from their parents and raised by caregivers. Eventually members shaved their heads and had to...
- 4/8/2024
- by Addie Morfoot
- Variety Film + TV
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