4min chapter

Behind the Bastards cover image

Part One: Synanon: The Drug Rehab Program That Built Its Own Army

Behind the Bastards

CHAPTER

Synon on - A History of Drug Addiction Recovery

In 1958, Charles Dederick incorporated his facility as a nonprofit. New members were asked to quit drugs cold turkey. As they got over being dope sick, they were gradually welcomed into the communal life of the club. There was hard labor, but there was also constant mutual support in group therapy. The game was played three times per week. Members were forbidden from any drugs save coffee and cigarettes, which were available in unlimited quantities at all times.

00:00

Get the Snipd
podcast app

Unlock the knowledge in podcasts with the podcast player of the future.
App store bannerPlay store banner

AI-powered
podcast player

Listen to all your favourite podcasts with AI-powered features

Discover
highlights

Listen to the best highlights from the podcasts you love and dive into the full episode

Save any
moment

Hear something you like? Tap your headphones to save it with AI-generated key takeaways

Share
& Export

Send highlights to Twitter, WhatsApp or export them to Notion, Readwise & more

AI-powered
podcast player

Listen to all your favourite podcasts with AI-powered features

Discover
highlights

Listen to the best highlights from the podcasts you love and dive into the full episode