Synanon was a self-help drug rehabilitation program that was founded in 1957 by Charles Dederich. The program was based on the idea that addiction was a disease that could be treated through group therapy and peer support. Synanon quickly became one of the most popular drug rehabilitation programs in the United States, and it was credited with helping thousands of people recover from addiction.
However, Synanon also became controversial due to its confrontational style of therapy and its authoritarian leadership. In the 1970s, Synanon was accused of physical and psychological abuse, and it was eventually disbanded in 1989.
Despite its troubled history, Synanon had a significant impact on the development of drug rehabilitation programs. Its emphasis on self-help and peer support has been adopted by many other programs, and its confrontational style of therapy has been used in some cases to help people overcome addiction.
History of Synanon
Synanon was founded in 1957 by Charles Dederich, a former alcoholic and gambler. Dederich was inspired by Alcoholics Anonymous, and he wanted to create a similar program for people who were addicted to drugs. He started the program in his home in Santa Monica, California, with just a few people.
The program was initially called the “Narcotics Anonymous Number One” but was later renamed “Synanon”. The name “Synanon” is a combination of the words “symposium” and “seminar”.
Synanon quickly grew in popularity, and by the early 1960s, it had several hundred members. The program was based on the idea that addiction was a disease that could be treated through group therapy and peer support. Members of Synanon lived together in communal homes, and they were expected to participate in daily group therapy sessions.
Synanon was also known for its confrontational style of therapy. Members were encouraged to confront each other about their problems, and they were often subjected to harsh criticism. This style of therapy was controversial, but it was seen by many as an effective way to help people overcome addiction.
In the 1970s, Synanon became involved in a number of controversies. The program was accused of physical and psychological abuse, and it was also accused of being a cult. In 1978, Synanon was raided by the FBI, and Dederich was arrested on charges of tax evasion.
Synanon eventually disbanded in 1989. However, its legacy continues to live on. The program’s emphasis on self-help and peer support has been adopted by many other drug rehabilitation programs, and its confrontational style of therapy has been used in some cases to help people overcome addiction.
Impact of Synanon
Synanon had a significant impact on the development of drug rehabilitation programs. Its emphasis on self-help and peer support has been adopted by many other programs, and its confrontational style of therapy has been used in some cases to help people overcome addiction.
Synanon also had a significant impact on the culture of the 1960s and 1970s. The program’s communal living arrangements and its emphasis on self-expression appealed to many young people, and Synanon became a symbol of the counterculture movement.
Conclusion
Synanon was a controversial program, but it had a significant impact on the development of drug rehabilitation programs. Its emphasis on self-help and peer support has been adopted by many other programs, and its confrontational style of therapy has been used in some cases to help people overcome addiction.
References
- Deitch, L. (1997). Synanon: The Tunnel Back. New York: HarperCollins.
- Morantz, P. (1991). The Rise and Fall of Synanon. New York: Free Press.
- Yablonsky, L. (1965). The Tunnel Back: Synanon. New York: Macmillan.