The Synanon Fix is a four-part docuseries that delves into the history of the Synanon movement, founded by Charles “Chuck” Dederich in 1958 as a means to rehabilitate heroin addicts. The program gained popularity in the ’60s for its unique approach of holding members accountable to each other to stay clean. As the organization grew, Dederich’s behavior became erratic, leading to his arrest in 1978 for conspiracy to murder and other charges, causing Synanon to be labeled as a cult.
The docuseries features interviews with former Synanon members, with a focus on its early days when it concentrated on rehabilitating addicts. Through the sessions known as the Synanon Game, members were encouraged to engage in brutal self-honesty and make positive changes in their lives. The documentary also includes interviews with Jady Dederich Montgomery, Chuck Dederich’s daughter and eventual Synanon leader, providing firsthand accounts of her experiences within the organization.
Viewers are taken on a journey through the growth of Synanon, from its humble beginnings to its status as a pop culture phenomenon by the late 1960s. The organization attracted individuals without drug problems, known as “squares” and “lifestylers”, who saw Dederich as a god-like figure, leading to his erratic and power-hungry behavior in the 1970s. The docuseries utilizes archival footage, photos, and audio recordings to paint a vivid picture of Synanon’s evolution and impact.
While The Synanon Fix covers similar ground to previous documentaries like Born In Synanon, it offers a fresh perspective by focusing on firsthand accounts from former members. The documentary explores how the program shifted from a treatment method for addicts to a community and lifestyle, causing some members to feel left behind. It touches on the relapse rates of former addicts after leaving Synanon, highlighting the program’s mixed effectiveness in the long term.
Despite the cringe-inducing nature of the Synanon Game footage, the documentary contextualizes it within the era, where addiction was often viewed as a moral failing. The series captures the stark honesty and intensity of the game sessions, juxtaposed with the communal aspects of Synanon, including post-game dance parties. Through the stories and recollections of former members, The Synanon Fix offers a captivating glimpse into the rise and fall of a unique yet controversial organization.
Overall, The Synanon Fix is a compelling watch for those intrigued by cult-like organizations and the human dynamics at play within them. While it may not reveal much new information for those familiar with Synanon’s history, the documentary provides a detailed and immersive exploration of the movement, showcasing the complexities of addiction, community, and power dynamics within the organization. With its mix of firsthand testimonials and archival footage from the era, The Synanon Fix offers a comprehensive look at one of the most intriguing chapters in American counterculture history.
