New Docuseries 'Born in Synanon' Sheds Light on Notorious Cult's Dark History

The series explores the transformation of Synanon from a rehabilitation community to a violent cult under the leadership of Charles Dederich.

Synanon, originally a drug and alcohol rehabilitation community founded by Charles Dederich in 1958, slowly transformed into a violent cult, as depicted in the new Paramount+ docuseries 'Born in Synanon'.
Dederich, who died in 1997, implemented extreme measures including mandatory vasectomies, forced divorces and partner swapping, and the formation of a paramilitary group to protect himself.
Despite its initial success and popularity, Synanon's reputation declined as its practices became more abusive and violent, leading to numerous lawsuits and investigations.
In 1980, Dederich was sentenced to five years' probation after pleading no contest to conspiracy to commit murder, after which he was barred from leading Synanon.
Synanon declared itself a religion in the mid-1980s but lost its tax-exempt status and disbanded in 1991 after declaring bankruptcy.