Synanon Foundation

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Synanon Foundation. A new religious movement. It was established in California in 1958 by Charles E. Dederich as a voluntary association of reforming alcoholics, soon developing into a therapeutic community for the treatment of narcotic addicts, and then into Social Movement and Alternative Society, a commune, with successful business operations and substantial real-estate holdings. In 1977 the Board of Directors proclaimed the Synanon Religion, with the so-called reconciliatory principle as its central tenet. Another important proposition is that individuals evolve by contributing to the community.