Synanon had a private security force and formed a paramilitary group, the Imperial Marines, that developed its own type of martial arts (“syn-do”) and by 1978 amassed an arsenal of hundreds of guns.
A no-children mandate was introduced, and women were encouraged to have abortions. Governor Pat Brown signed a law clarifying that Dederich’s brand of drug treatment wasn’t medical care per se and didn’t need a license. [18]
Dederich had taken part in an experiment at UCLA testing LSD as cure for alcoholism. Dederich called it “the most important single experience in my entire life,” crediting the drug with unlocking a newfound confidence. “I became a different person, really and truly,” he said. “Everything that has happened to me since—Synanon, everything—dates from that point.”
That rather sounds like a CIA op.
One of the most distinguishing practices of the deadly Synanon community was a therapeutic practice commonly referred to as “The Game.” The game was a session during which one member would talk about themselves and then endure intense criticism by their peers. The game turned into a 72-hour version and was admitted by Dederich to be brainwashing. [20] “Attack therapy” was developed. [21]