Synanon began as an alternative rehabilitation program for alcoholics and drug addicts in Santa Monica, California, during the 1950s and 60s.
Although the founder and former Alcoholics Anonymous member, Charles Dederich, was heralded as a pioneer who developed a groundbreaking treatment program for drug addiction, the group began attracting "dangerous cult" accusations when stories of children being abused and separated from their families began circulating in mainstream news.
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