Facility profile California
Synanon House
Synanon House was a residential treatment center in Los Angeles, California, operated by Synanon. It operated from 1959 to 1974.
About Synanon House
Also drawn on: Points: The Blog of the Alcohol & Drugs History Society, "Stories of Synanon, Part One".
News coverage
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Stories of Synanon, Part One
The article presents an oral history interview with former Synanon member Lena Lindsay, detailing her experiences in the therapeutic community, including forced shaving, partner switching, and verbal abuse during the Synanon Game. It describes the program’s evolution and the broader context of drug treatment in California during the 1950s and 1960s. The account is presented in a neutral, factual tone without victim blaming.
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