Synanon: CharlesDederich, Sr.

The influence and culture of the Synanon organization, which was founded by Charles Dederich Sr., started as a drug rehabilitation program in the late 1950’s. Through their progression into the early 1990’s, this organization transformed from what started as Alcoholic and Narcotics Anonymous meetings in Dederich’s apartment to a group with religious purpose, belief and influence to what many refer to as the most dangerous and violent cult in America.

Its’ founder Dederich (1913-1997) was a reformed alcoholic who later became an active AA member, “giving evangelistic speeches at numerous meetings” (The Rise and Fall of Synanon). Dederich also participated in experimental LSD tests, which upset members of his AA group. However, while subject to these experiments, Dederich came to the conclusion that drug addicts should be in programs, “To develop self-reliance rather than dependence on a higher being” (The Rise and Fall of Synanon). Dederich started a group, named TLC for Tender Loving Care, which operated out of a storefront in Santa Monica. They facilitated a massive change in the rehabilitation scene by getting themselves clean without the use of psychotherapists or experts. Using this system, they monitored one another and created a community of support and resources where addicts could go to get cleaned. Dederich being credited for the recovery and sobriety of many individuations, continued to develop the methods of the organization on a more permanent basis.

While his philosophy seemed admirable Tender Loving Care, later named Synanon, pushed their methods to the extremes when deciding that ex-addicts weren’t fit to return back to a normal functioning society and eliminated the option of graduating out of the program. While Synanon was founded on the principle of treating addicts of all substances, Dederich’s mission of creating a society that would unify into a social movement and alternate society began to rise. During this time, the organization expanded and the businesses associated with Synanon flourished in Oakland, San Francisco and Badger, California. Synanon became the home to many schools, businesses, residential living areas and later a religion.

It was in the early 1970’s, Synanon amended their Articles of Incorporation to establish religious purpose amongst the organization. Once established as a religion, Dederich created a stricter environment for the organization. This change was due to the group’s practices, which began to come into question from the local community as they became more world denying than world affirming. As paranoia grew, Synanon installed their own armed security, and stories began to circulate of their use of violence within their organization and the outside community. Their armed security was known as the Imperial Marines.

After several inquiries into their practices and financial holdings, Board of Directors passed declaration which made Synanon a religious affiliation in 1974. Synanon eventually progressed to an organization of crime and violence which lead to the arrest of Dederich whom was later released on probation on the terms of not returning back to Synanon. This later was the cause of the group falling apart without its’ leader.