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The Synanon Fix: Did The Cure Become a Cult?

1 SEASONS | 4 EPISODES | TV-MA

Synanon, the brainchild of Charles “Chuck” Dederich, began in 1958 as a storefront rehab serving heroin addicts. Synanon quickly grew, evolving into a complex system of businesses and egalitarian communal living led by Chuck and his wife, Betty. Over time, the therapies became increasingly extreme, devolving into paranoid behavior and cult-like mandates and culminating in charges of child abuse, assault, and even attempted murder. The four-part documentary series The Synanon Fix explores how the organization’s potential to revolutionize healing spiraled into a destructive force.

1.Here Come the Dopefiends

Former alcoholic Chuck Dederich founds a controversial drug rehab that soon grows into a popular nationwide social movement.

2.A War on Convention

As Synanon continues to grow, Chuck’s utopian vision begins to crack under his increasingly authoritative demands.

3.What the Hell Is Happening?

After his wife’s passing, Chuck becomes increasingly tyrannical and demands that all married members must find new partners.

4.Strap Yourself to the Mast

As Chuck and Synanon face serious allegations and scrutiny from the press, many adherents struggle to piece together their lives.

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