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Synanon House
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Pre-Presidential Papers of Richard M. Nixon
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May 15, 1961
Dear Mr. Kimball:
I want to thank you for your letter of May 1 and
for sending me the material on Synanon House. I intend
to study it carefully because, even at first glance, the
work you are doing in the whole complex field of narcotics
addiction seems to me very impressive.
It is thoughtful good of you to invite me to visit Synanon
Kimball, Reid
House. When my schedule permits -- and at the moment,
unfortunately there is not room for one further com-
mitment -- I will certainly hope to take advantage of it.
With every good wish,
Sincerely,
RN
X - Narcotics - subject sub
X-copy X I
Synanon House
Mr. Reid Kimball
Synanon House
1351 Ocean Front
Santa Monica, California
M
CML: cp
Reproduced at the Richard Nixon Presidential Library and Museum
CHARLES DEDERICH
SYNANON HOUSE
WILLIAM CRAWFORD
DIRECTOR
COORDINATOR
CHARLES HAMER
OPERATED BY SYNANON FOUNDATION, INC., A
REID kimball
WELFARE
NON-PROFIT CALIFORNIA CORPORATION FOR THE
PUBLIC RELATIONS
VINCENT CAVANAGH
REHABILITATION OF NARCOTIC ADDICTS WITH THE
ATTORNEY
TAX EXEMPT PRIVILEGES FOR DONORS
1351 Ocean Front
Santa Monica, California
EXbrook 4-1269 - 4-9768
May 1, 1961
Mr. Richard M. Nixon
315 West 9th Street
Los Angeles, California
Dear Mr. Nixon:
Assembly bill A.B. 2626 currently before the State Legislature,
if passed will permit the continuation of what Dr. Donald R. Cressey,
Dean of Sociology at U.C.L.A. calls "the most significant attempt
to keep addicts off drugs that ever has been made".
Having been introduced by Nicholas C. Petris, a democrat, the bill
seems to be takeng on the overtones of a purely partisan issue in
the midst of a desperate search for avenues of approach to a
solution of the narcotic problem. I feel that you Mr. Nixon, as
the leading Republican of this country would be amendable to the
suggestion that you familiarize yourself with this vital experiment,
perhaps pay a visit to Synanon House and if in your own evaluation
find it to be of worth, lend it your support.
I am enclosing literature that has been written anent the Synanon
experiment. I am sure you will find it informative and comprehensive.
Please accept our invitation to visit Synanon House at any time
which you might find convenient.
Yours very truly,
RK: cr
Reid Kimball
Enc.
S.S. bar "Nation" magagine for Apr. 29 on Synamon.
"
Enabling Man To Go Right, Disabling Him To Go Wrong"-Lao-Tze
Reproduced at the Richard Nixon Presidential Library and Museum
SYNANEWS
For The Organizing of a Citizen's Committee to Save Synanon
Vol. 1. 7425 Franklin Avenue Los Angeles 46, California No. 1
April 22, 1961
CITIZENS FOR SYNANON
FROT THE SYNANON FAMILY
Dear Friends,
Dear Len:
Due to a court decision Synanon
I would like to express the appre-
may or may not, depending on your
ciation of the Synanon family for
support, continue as a home for
rehabilitating narcotic addicts at
the work you are doing in acquaint-
ing thinking people with our exper-
Synanon House in Santa Monica.
iment here.
Considering you are a are of the
As you know, the point that
pertinent information regarding the
should be stressed is that accept-
immediate need for active support
ance on a public level has been
for Synanon, we are sending you
beyond our hopes for the past three
this brief newsletter.
years; whereas official bodies
Synanews is an effort to form a
whose business is presumed to be
state-wide citizens' Committee for
the finding of solutions to social
Synanon whose main purpose is to
problems seem to be dedicated to
support -the passage of Assembly
making it impossible for us to do
Bill 2626. The passage of this
our work. Fortunately, in spite of
bill would give state sanction to
this concerted effort, Synanon has
Synanon and thus would be most
piled up an incredible number of
effective in allowing a major con-
"clean man days" which is consider-
tribution in human rehabilitation
ed by those who have no axe to
to continue.
grind. to be the only val id statis-
Dr. Donald Cressy, Chairman,
tic. It is also interesting to
Anthropology & Sociology Department
note that a goodly number of these
University of California at Los
"clean man days" have been chalked
Angeles, has generously offered his
up by people who have remained free
name to the formation of this com-
from drugs of any type for more
mittee with the proposed goals as
than two years.
follows:
1. To encourage written support of
Please continue your good work.
A.B.2626 by individuals and or-
Sincerely,
ganizations to be submitted to
their respective Assemblymen.
C.E. Dederich
(Continued on page 2)
Founder and Chairman
Reproduced at the Richard Nixon Presidential Library and Museum
Page 2
ASSEMBLY BILL No. 2626
AFFIDAVIT TO JUDGE HECTOR P. BAIDA
I have worked with addictive pa-
2. To invite significant authori-
Introduced by Nicholas C. Petris
Municipal Court of Santa Monica.
tients for many years and I can at-
tied & friends to visit Synanon
Assemblyman, 15th District,
test that it would take countless
especially for the Saturday nite
April 13, 1961
Honorable Sir:
hours to induce the motivation and
open house.
Referred to Committee on Public
to stimulate the constructive pur-
3. To publish frequent newsletters
Health.
I am addressing this letter to your
pose which these people now have.
(Syanews about A.B. 2626 and
attention as a psychiatrist who has
These qualities, together with the
the developments concerning
An act to amend Section 11391 of
been interested for many years in
sharing of experience, are indis-
Synanon.
the Health and Safety Code, relat-
the medical and social aspects of
pensible prerequisites to any ef-
4. To obtain support through radio,
ing to narcotic addiction.
addictive disorders.
fective therapeutic program.
television, and the press.
The people of the State of Califor-
5. To reach more people through
nia do enact as follows:
I am currently in private practice
It is my conviction that from ex-
house meetings and Synanon part-
Section i. Section 11391 of the
at the above address. I have been
periments such as this will ultim-
ies.
Health and Safety Code is amended
engaged in psychiatric practice,
ately come an effective answer to
In our effort to form a state
to read:
teaching, and research in the area
the problem of dope addiction, which
committee to save Synanon, we would
11391. No person shall treat an
for the past ten years. I am Assis-
takes such a toll upon our youth
like to know your reactions and
addict for addiction except in one
tant Professor of Psychiatry at the
and society as a whole. Anyone who
would appreciate any suggestions.
of the following:
UCLA School of Medicine, and Re-
negates efforts such as this, must
Could you participate in any of the
(a) An institution approved by
search Consultant at the Camarillo
bear an awesome responsibility.
following ways:
the Board of Medical Examiners, and
State Hospital.
Lend your name to the commitee
where the patient is at all times
as a friend of Synanon.
I respectfully urge that you use
kept under restraint and control.
I am a Fellow of the American Psy-
Could we use your name for news
(b) A city or county jail.
your powers to permit this vital
chiatric Association, a member of
release as favoring A.B. 2626?
(c) A state prison.
work to proceed.
the American Psychoanalytic Asso-
Could you offer an address or
(d) A state narcotic hospital.
phone as headquarters for the
ciation, the Los Angeles Institute
(e) A state hospital.
Yours Sincerely,
committee, preferably in Santa
for Psychoanalysis, the American
(f) A county hospital.
Monica.
Association for the Advancement of
This section does not apply dur-
(signed) Bernard S. Brandchaft, M.D.
Contribute money or supplies for
Sciences. In the past I have been
ing emergency treatment or where
stationary and mail expense.
Alienist for the State of New York
SYNANEWS
the patient's addiction is compli-
Offer a house for meetings or
at Bellevue Hospital, and a Senior
cated by the presence of incurable
To be published frequently until
Synanon parties.
Assistant Surgeon in the United
disease, serious accident, or in-
Synanon wins a secure home and is
States Public Health Service.
Please call or write if you can
able to carry on with the serious
jury, or the infirmities of old age.
participate in any way. We only
Neither this section nor any
task of human understanding and
have 30 days, more or less, to act
I have observed the experiment
rehabilitation. This is proving to
other provision of this division
on this bill. The temporary ad-
which is now being conducted by
be one of the greatest achievements
shall be construed to prohibit the
dress is:
Synanon and I should like to regis-
in developing the creative potent-
maintenance of a place in which
Save Synanon Committee
ter my deep interest in it and my
ialities of individuals who 2 and 3
persons seeking to recover from
7425 Franklin-Avenue
considered opinion that it should
years ago and beyond were consider-
narcotic addiction reside and en-
not be interferedw: ith.
Los Angeles 46, California
ed practical ly incurable.
deavor to aid one another and re-
Len Harris,
NO 2-1530
We welcome opinions and news items
ceive aid from others in recovering.
Acting Coordinator
DU 8-7648
for SYMANEWS. Hope to be with you
(Continued on page 4)
very soon with another Synanews.
Reproduced at the Richard Nixon Presidential Library and Museum
Page 4
diction under control, but in no
from sach addiction, nor does this
event by use of narcotics, are mak-
section or such division prohibit
ing substantial progress in a-
such aid, provided that no person
chievement of their goals. This es-
is treated for addiction in such
tablishment and such similar estab-
place by means of adminiştering,
lishments as may come into exis-
furnishing, or prescribing of nar-
tence offer great hope to those at-
cotics. This paragraph is declara-
tempting to deal with a difficult
tory of pre-existing law.
problems. As some question has been
Section 2. The Legislature has
raised whether such áctivity is
been impressed by the record of
prohibitèd by Section 11391 of the
Synanon House, an establishment in
Health and Saftey Code, it is the
which persons conscientiously en-
intention of the Legislature in
deavoring to recover from narcotics
this act to declare that Section
addiction reside and, largely by
11391 and Division 10 of the Health
mutual aid, partly by aid from per-
and Safety Code are not intended to
sons who either have never been ad-
prohibit maintename of such an es-
dicted to narcotics or have been
tablishment or the aid available
addicted but have brought their ad-
therein.
SAVE SYNANON COMMITTEE
7425 Franklin Avenue
Los Angeles 46, California
Reproduced at the Richard Nixon Presidential Library and Museum
TWENTY-FIVE CENTS
APRIL 7, 1961
TIM Re-Examins & & DIPLOMACY Might
THE WEEK
EWSMAGAZINE
Boris Chaliapin
DEFENSE
SECRETARY
McNAMARA
$7.00 A YEAR
(REG. U.S. PAT. OFF.)
VOL. LXXVII NO. 15
Reproduced at the Richard Nixon Presidential Library and Museum
TIME
THE WEEKLY NEWSMAGAZINE
EDITOR-IN-CHIEF
HENRY R. LUCE
CHAIRMAN, EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE
Roy E. LARSEN
CHAIRMAN OF THE BOARD
ANDREW HEISKELL
PRESIDENT
JAMES A. LINEN
EDITORIAL DIRECTOR
HEDLEY DONOVAN
ASSISTANT DIRECTOR
ALBERT L. FURTH
A letter from the PUBLISHER
EDITOR
Roy Alexander
MANAGING EDITOR
Benkard M.
Otto Fuerbringer
ASSISTANT MANAGING EDITORS
Thomas Griffith, James Keogh
SENIOR EDITORS
A. T. Baker, Louis Banks, Robert W. Boyd Jr., Champ
THE trade tration is easy to find: a new
news in a section such as
Europe and the Mediterranean. After
Clark, George G. Daniels, William Forbis, Henry Anatole
Grunwald, Joseph Purtell.
this came Dartmouth, class of '50, then
school building program, the choice of
LIFE. A TIME staff member since 1954,
ASSOCIATE EDITORS
Douglas Auchincloss, Bruce Barton Jr., Jesse L. Birn-
a new college president. Harder to dig
he became Education editor in April
baum, William Bowen, Gilbert Cant, Robert C. Chris-
topher, Henry Bradford Darrach Jr., Max Gissen, Barker
for, and requiring a spelunker's re-
1959, has written cover stories on James
T. Hartshorn, Edward L. Jamieson, Cranston Jones,
Theodore E. Kalem, John Koffend, Louis Kronenberger.
sourcefulness, is the kind of Educa-
Conant and Clark Kerr. Among other
Jonathan Norton Leonard, Robert McLaughlin, Richard
Oulahan Jr., Richard Seamon, Carl Solberg, Ben
tion story that illumines the continuing
reasons for being interested in Educa-
Williamson.
process of growing and learning. Some
tion, Shnayerson has two children, and
CONTRIBUTING EDITORS
recent examples are such TIME stories
his wife is a teacher.
Richard Armstrong, James Atwater, Harriet Bachman,
John Blashill, Richard Burgheim, Alton L. Clingen, John
as Little Known-& Good, a look at 50
Gregory Dunne, John T. Elson, Denis Fodor, Sam Halper,
Bruce Henderson, Edward Hughes, Charles P. Jackson,
good small colleges; Campus Conserv-
T
HE best stories leave echoes be-
Alwyn Lee, Mitchel R. Levitas, Harrison Lilly, Marshall
Loeb, George Love, Everett Martin, Peter Bird Martin.
atives, the new political trend in the
hind, and do not die with the first
Jason McManus, John McPhee, Richard Murphy,
Charles Parmiter, John M. Scott, Robert Shnayerson,
colleges; Go Everywhere, Young Man,
telling. There are two examples in this
John Skow, David B. Tinnin, Mark Vishniak, Edwin G.
Warner.
the first broad description of the Peace
week's TIME.
ART DIRECTOR
Corps and its possibilities; Programed
The first national report on the
Michael J. Phillips
Learning, about the new teaching ma-
John Birch Society-the antediluvian
EDITORIAL RESEARCHERS
chines; and How Much Is a Nun
secret society of political right-wingers
Essie Lee (Chief), Mary Elizabeth Fremd, Manon Gaulin,
Paid?, last week's analysis of how pa-
-appeared in TIME March IO, and
Dorothy Haystead, Amelia North, Margaret Quimby.
Virginia Adams, Nancy Ray Armstrong, Jean Bergerud,
rochial schools finance themselves. This
was read into the Congressional Rec-
Margaret Green Boeth, Priscilla A. Bolger, Ann Booth,
Dorothea Bourne, Ruth Brine, Karen Burger, Nancy
week's major effort, called The Educa-
ord by North Dakota's Republican
McD. Chase, Epsey M. Cooke, Joan W. Coyle, Johanna
Mankiewicz Davis, Cecilia I. Dempster, Joan Dunn,
tion of the South, chronicles the in-
Senator Milton R. Young. There has
Nancy Gay Faber, Allis N. Ferguson, Blanche Finn, Rose-
mary L. Frank, Gloria Friedland, Joanne Funger, Marcia
teresting shift in Southern thinking
been a headline furor almost ever
Gauger, Berta Gold, Joyce Haber, Piri Halasz, Deborah
Hall, Deborah Hanson, Harriet Heck, Georgia Hertzman,
since the Supreme Court ordered de-
since, with this week's installment re-
Anne Hollister, Anne S. Hopkins, Andria E. Hourwich,
Geraldine Kirshenbaum, Vera Kovarsky, Mary Lukas,
segregation in the public schools.
ported in THE NATION.
Martha Murphy, Evelyn Merrin, Nancy Newman, Jean
Niesley, Virginia Page, S. Marion Pikul, Patricia J.
All these stories are the work of
The Metropolitan Opera's Soprano
Putman, Ruth Reed, Madeleine Bittel Richards, Susanne
Schuppel, Leah Shanks, Diane Stanley, Elizabeth Statler,
Education Editor Robert Sumayerson,
Leontyne Price, whose portrait was on
Frances Stevenson, Paula Strong, Betty Suyker, Joan
Titus, Fortunata Sydnor Trapnell, Mary Vanaman, Helga
34, who himself attended twelve
the cover of the March IO issue, has
Wolpert, Rosemarie Tauris Zadikov.
schools as a child, ranging from ex-
been undergoing the experience that
U.S. AND CANADIAN NEWS SERVICE
tremely progressive to proper prep. He
happens to all cover subjects-the bar-
Richard M. Clurman (Chief of Correspondents), Harry
Johnston, Robert Parker, Robert F. Jones.
particularly recalls the four years he
rage of letters from readers all over
Bureaus-WASHINGTON: John L. Steele, Hugh Sidey,
Walter Bennett, Martha Bucknell, Anne Chamberlin,
spent at now-defunct Manumit School
the world. In a letter to Music Editor
Jean A. Franklin, James L. Greenfield, Frederick Gruin,
Jerry Hannifin, Lansing Lamont, Neil MacNeil, Jeremy
at Pawling, N.Y., "a strange school on
Richard Murphy, she said that most
Main, Harold B. Meyers, Loye W. Miller Jr., Willard C.
Rappleye Jr., Edwin Rees, Arthur White. CHICAGO:
a farm. We drove trucks at nine years
of the letters reflected "the feelings of
Robert Ajemian, Murray Gart, Dudley Doust, Kenneth
Froslid, Miriam Rumwell, William R. Shelton, Marvin
and plowed with tractors, slaughtered
kindness, dignity and respect that I
H. Zim. Los ANGELES: Marshall Berges, Charles Cham-
plin, Robert W. Glasgow, C. Robert Jennings, William
pigs and took care of the cows. But I
myself felt on reading TIME'S cover
Johnson, Ed Magnuson. NEW YORK: Benjamin W. Cate,
Serrell Hillman, William E. Smith, Gardner S. Thoenen.
didn't learn anything about anything."
story." Meanwhile, she has been scor-
DETROIT: Leon Jaroff, Nick Thimmesch. ATLANTA:
Spencer L. Davidson, Calvin Trillin. MIAMI: Edwin M.
He joined the Navy at 17, for three
ing new triumphs at the Metropolitan
Reingold. BOSTON: Ruth Mehrtens, Douglas Cray.
DALLAS: Mark Sullivan. DENVER: Barron Beshoar. SAN
wartime years in the North Atlantic,
Opera, reported this week in MUSIC.
FRANCISCO: T George Harris, Jonathan Rinehart.
OTTAWA: John Beal, Gavin Scott. MONTREAL: Jon Ander-
son. TORONTO: Paul Hurmuses. CALGARY: Ed Ogle.
FOREIGN NEWS SERVICE
John Boyle (Chief of Correspondents), Martin O'Neill,
Robert E. Jackson, Clara Applegate, Eileen MacKenzie.
Bureaus-LONDON: Robert T. Elson, Honor Balfour,
INDEX
Monica Dehn, Michael Demarest, Herman Nicke!. PARIS:
Curtis Prendergast, Edward Behr, Godfrey Blunden,
Israel Shenker, BONN: John M. Mecklin, Robert Ball.
Cover Story
20
ROME: William McHale, Philip Payne. Moscow: Edmund
Stevens. JOHANNESBURG: James Bell, Lee Griggs.
BEIRUT: Alexander Campbell. NEW DELHI: Charles
Art
68
Medicine
72
Religion
53
Mohr, James Shepherd. HONG KONG: Stanley Karnow,
Jerrold L. Schecter. TOKYO: Donald S. Connery, Frank
Iwama. SYDNEY: Fred B. Hubbard. MEXICO CITY:
Books
103
Milestones
98
Science
58
Harvey Rosenhouse, Rafael Delgado Lozano. RIO DE
JANEIRO: George de Carvalho, Jayme Dantas. BUENOS
Business
88
Music
83
Show Business
76
AIRES: Piero Saporiti.
Cinema
60
The Nation
17
Sport
65
PUBLISHER
Bernhard M. Auer
Education
45
People
40
Theater
78
ADVERTISING DIRECTOR
The Hemisphere 36
Press
48
Time Listings
108
John McLatchie
Letters
4
The World
26
ASSISTANT PUBLISHER
ROBERT C. GORDON
GENERAL MANAGER
RHETT AUSTELL
ASSISTANT TO THE PUBLISHER
FRANK R. SHEA
© 1961 TIME INC. All rights reserved.
The Associated Press is exclusively entitled to the use or
republication of the local telegraphic and cable news
published herein, originated by TIME, The Weekly News-
magazine, or obtained from The Associated Press.
TIME, APRIL 7, 1961
Reproduced at the Richard Nixon Presidential Library and Museum
were painted "with the ardor of a lover."
They were creatures from a far-off world,
and however dimly lit their flesh or well-
ordered their surroundings, they told
much about their creator.
To Catch the Instant
Were photography nothing more than
an aid to memory-snapshots to be pasted
in an album-it would perform a service;
but in the right hands, the camera goes
infinitely beyond the mere literal record.
"There is," says Edward Steichen, dean
of U.S. photographers, "the photography
which seeks to translate into pattern and
design the magic of a detail of growth
and deterioration. Photography records
the gamut of feelings written on the hu-
man face, the beauty of the earth and
skies that man has inherited, and the
wealth and confusion man has created."
In a word, photography has become, as
only good art can, "a major force in ex-
plaining man to man."
Last week, as the majestically bearded
COURTESY OF THE GEORGE EASTMAN HOUSE, ROCHESTER, NEW YORK
Steichen reached a vigorous 82, Manhat-
tan's Museum of Modern Art honored
him with a retrospective of his work that
was like opening windows on more than
half a century of war and laughter, de-
STEICHEN'S "HOMELESS WOMEN: THE DEPRESSION, 1932"
pression and song, tragedy and triumph.
The world and the camera had come a
long way since Steichen began, but at no
Steichen was already in the elevator when
dark, highlighting the figures until they
time was there any doubt that the man
he blurted his reply. "I will always stick
became three dimensional.
behind the camera was an artist. And the
to photography,' he said.
The Bonfire. When war came, Steichen
fact that the word "artist" could be used
Though he also painted-somewhat in
got on General Billy Mitchell's staff as
in discussing photography at all was in
the manner of Whistler with a dash of
officer in charge of aerial photography.
part Steichen's doing.
Monet-he kept his word. In 1905 he
That experience only increased his desire
The Secession. The son of Luxembourg
helped Stieglitz start the Photo-Secession
to communicate through art with as wide
immigrants who had settled in Milwau-
Galleries in New York, a rallying point
an audience as possible. His own paintings
kee, Steichen started out to be a painter.
for those who wanted to "secede from
-"so much wallpaper in gold frames"-
But on his way to Paris in 1900, he
the notion that photography is only literal
were obviously not the answer. One day
stopped long enough in Manhattan to call
representation." Steichen wanted to "push
he collected every unsold canvas he had
on the already famous Alfred Stieglitz
out the realm of the camera." He loved
and destroyed them in a bonfire.
and to show him some photographs he
"wet days, yellow, foggy days, twilights,"
Going to work for Condé Nast (Vanity
had taken back home. Photographer
and to catch the mood, he would pur-
Fair and Vogue), he raised commercial
Stieglitz looked them over, bought a
posely blur the picture by kicking the
photography to a level it had never
batch for $5 apiece. "Well," he said as
tripod or wetting the lens. In developing
known. Some of the world's best-known
his 21-year-old visitor was leaving, "I
his famed Steeplechase Day, Paris; After
personalities- P. Morgan, Greta Garbo,
suppose now that you are going to Paris
the Races, a carefree scene at the Long-
Teddy Roosevelt, Charlie Chaplin, Eu-
you will forget all about photography."
champ track, he kept the background
gene O'Neill, the sculptor Brancusi-pa-
raded before him, and all left a part of
themselves behind on film. He showed
"STEEPLECHASE DAY, PARIS; AFTER THE RACES, 1905"
the Depression in one great picture: a
group of homeless women from a shelter.
"Even in their poverty, they primped a
little," he remembers. During World War
II he headed all combat photography
LENT BY THE METROPOLITAN MUSEUM OF ART. GIFT OF ALFRED STIEGLITZ
for the U.S. Navy.
Today, married for the third time to a
young beauty of 28 (he has been once
divorced, once widowed) Steichen spends
much of his time photographing a small
tree near his home in Ridgefield, Conn.
It has become for him a friend whose
moods change with the hour and the sea-
son. Last week the little tree had its place
alongside all the faces, famous and un-
known, and the scenes of uproar and
repose that are Steichen's autobiography.
What is their magic? Steichen's answer
is simple. "We all cry and laugh," says he,
"but never at the same time or for the
samc reason. It is up to the photographer
to catch the instant that is the reality of
the person or of the moment."
Richard Nix
Library and Museum
MEDICINE
addicts off drugs that has ever been made."
Thus far, in 21/2 years, of I50 addicts
who voluntarily enrolled as roommates in
Dr. Osteopath, M.D.
for an M.D., with the aim of discontinu-
Synanon House for at least one month,
ing future licensing of D.O.s.
only half went back to drugs, and of 90
Since osteopathy was founded by an
Whether the California merger was a
who stayed longer than three months, only
M.D. named Andrew T. Still in 1874, it
pattern other osteopaths would soon fol-
I5 fell back. "Look at me," said one proud
has steadily moved away from Still's re-
low was doubtful. The California Osteo-
graduate, a recent father who works stead-
liance on the manipulation of bones mus-
pathic Association was expelled last year
ily in an electronics plant, "a real square."
cles and ligaments as a cure for all man-
from the American Osteopathic Associa-
Such success is hardly even fractional
ner of aches and agues. The Lightning
tion after the Californians conducted se-
compared with the overall U.S. narcotics
Bone Setter, as Still was known, thought
cret merger talks in defiance of an over-
problem, which claims from 45,000 to
that "the human engine is God's medical
whelming vote at an A.O.A. convention to
100,000 addicts. But Synanon* offers more
drugstore,' but the average osteopath to-
remain independent.
than a few cures: it offers a workable
day prescribes more drugs for his patient
formula of rehabilitation-something. that
than the average M.D. and uses musculo-
S.S. Hang Tough
most local authorities, who confine them-
skeletal therapy as only an adjunct to
Early in August 1959, homeowners
selves to jailing addicts after they steal
surgery, X rays, serums.
along the stylish Pacific Ocean beaches in
to get dope, do not tackle.
Despite the profession's general reputa-
Santa Monica, Calif., were dismayed to
"Something That Works." The tech-
bility and the fact that 38 states recognize
get a new set of neighbors: a bedraggled
nique was patterned roughly after the
three-fourths of the nation's 13,000 osteo-
platoon of half a hundred men and wom-
group-therapy methods of Alcoholics
paths as qualified practitioners of all
en, who moved into a run-down, three-
Anonymous. The Synanon system cannot
branches of medicine and surgery, the
story, red brick building that once was a
work until the addict really decides that
he wants to kick the habit; but after that,
it promises critical discipline and confine-
ment through the first bad days of with-
drawal, followed by a psychological treat-
ment that usually kills the desire. Dr.
Cressey describes the psychology: "A
group in which Criminal A joins with
some noncriminals to change Criminal B
is probably most effective in changing
Criminal A."
In the often brutally frank personal ex-
changes, the addicts slowly reveal to them-
selves the anxieties that led them to the
needle, and through daily contact with
similarly beset persons are reinforced in
their determination to quit narcotics per-
manently. Says the founder of Synanon
House, 48-year-old Charles E. Dederich, a
potbellied Irishman who was once an al-
coholic but never a drug addict: "It is
something that works."
"They're like Children." The Synanon
curriculum is divided into three stages.
During the first phase, the emotionally
shaken, physically weak addict gradually
adjusts to his new surroundings. Says
Bill Bridges
Dederich: "Addicts are babies who look
SYNANON'S DEDERICH & Ex-ADDICTS
The way to change Criminal A is to let him change Criminal B.
like men and women. They have to grow
up emotionally. After they kicked,
they're like children, and they have to be
professional organizations of doctors and
National Guard armory. White and black,
told to turn off the lights, flush the toilet,
osteopaths have long feuded. Technically,
young and middle-aged, criminals and in-
keep their fingers out of lamp sockets."
according to the American Medical As-
nocents, artists and loafers, the unlikely
Such, for example, is Synanon's youngest
sociation, no doctor of medicine may
assortment shared one trait: they were
member, a plump girl of I9 who was
consult professionally with a doctor of
narcotics addicts determined to kick their
trapped by narcotics at 13. After eight
osteopathy without violating his code of
habit for good.
months at Synanon, she finally had the
ethics.
Scrounging lumber, paint and old fur-
courage to raise a shaky voice to sing
Last week, for most of California's
niture, the troupe converted the top floor
with a four-man musical combo that is a
2,200 osteopaths, the feud was over.
of the armory into a barracks-style men's
feature of Saturday night socials. Her
Leaders of the state osteopathic associa-
dormitory. They turned the second floor
emotional triumph won a thunderous ova-
tion and the state medical society signed
into offices, kitchen, dining hall and living
tion from the crowd.
an agreement expected to be ratified next
room, and the main floor into women's
During the second stage, the ex-addict
month, merging the two organizations.
sleeping quarters. Over the doors in the
works at a regular job on the outside, con-
Under the terms of the agreement, the
living room they hung their emblem: a
tributes part of his wages to the group,
Los Angeles College of Osteopathic Physi-
life preserver with the words "S.S. Hang
continues to live at the house. One such
cians and Surgeons will be converted into
Tough," slang for "don't give up."
is a middle-class college graduate who is
a medical school, and the state's 63 osteo-
"Look at Me." Such was the formal
now a salesgirl in a Santa Monica depart-
pathic hospitals will be free to convert
dedication of Synanon House a self-run,
ment store, after a flight that took her
to medical hospitals. Osteopaths will be
haphazardly financed experiment in hu-
through prostitution and prison. Despite
given the option of exchanging their D.O.
man reclamation whose success has been
hailed by Dr. Donald Cressey, University
* One addict's mispronunciation of seminar,
* Nationwide, osteopaths operate six colleges
of California at Los Angeles sociologist,
which is part of Synanon's program for rehabili-
and 400 hospitals.
as "the most significant attempt to keep
tation.
72
TIME, APRIL 7, 1961
Reproduced at the Richard Nixon Presidential Library and Museum
SYNANON
CON'T
the new start, she still feels unable to
live on her own in the world.
In its final stage, Synanon sends its
member out into society, but not until he
has saved a few hundred dollars, owns a
car, and has a place to live away from the
haunts of addicts. Said the electronics
worker: "There's much I want and noth-
ing I need. I get home tired, and I look
in that crib and I say everything's O.K."
Local Hostility. Synanon's record in
curing narcotics addicts is a matter of
indifference to many of its respectable
neighbors along the Santa Monica beach-
front. Although the institution has won
many friends in the community by dis-
patching its members to address local
service-club meetings and high school as-
semblies, within days after it moved into
the deserted mory a petition signed by
SKIN-SMOOTH CONTACT
3I of Synanon's neighbors protested the
invasion. Six months later, a municipal
judge found Synanon guilty of violating
the local zoning ordnance. A final appeal
to the U.S. Supreme Court failed last
February when the court refused to hear
the case, and Synanon House may now
have to find a new location.
There is little gloom on the premises,
MENNEN
however. In the course of legal battles,
Synanon House was designated by the In-
ternal Revenue Bureau as a tax-deductible
SPEED
foundation. And it managed to support
an average of 50 residents all last year
STICK
for just $26,000. For Synanon's essential
M
needs are simple: a roomy house with
a place to hang the life preserver.
deodorant
Teen-Age VD
FOR MEN
Though still less a public health prob-
lem than tuberculosis, venereal disease,
especially among teen-agers, is spreading
menacingly in the U.S. In the last five
<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<
years, the rate of reported cases of in-
fectious syphilis among the 15-19 age
group has more than doubled, from IO
in each 100,000 of population in 1956 to
22 last year. The rate of reported gonor-
rhea among teen-agers has risen from 408
for each 100,000 of population to 428.
The total rate of infectious venereal dis-
ease among youngsters IS almost three
NEAT CLEAN EASY TO USE
times the rate for all age groups.
What is more, said the American Social
Goes on Dry-Never Wet or Tacky! Heavy Duty
Health Association last week, only one
case of venereal disease out of five is
Formula Gives Longer Lasting Protection.
reported to health authorities. Thus it is
estimated that the total syphilis-infected
Speed Stick is so wide-one stroke
irritants of any kind. Won't irritate
population could be as high as 2,000,000,
gives complete coverage. Exclusive
normal skin, won't stain or damage
while another 1,000,000 contracted gonor-
heavy duty formula gives you that
your clothes. Goes on dry-it's skin-
rhea last year.
special protection a man needs. Yet
smooth! Won't crumble or shrink.
Factors in spreading VD:
Speed Stick is so safe to use! Con-
Clean masculine scent. Unbreakable
A more mobile population, which
tains no harsh chemicals, alcohol or
plastic container is ideal for travel.
makes possible such remarkable case his-
tories as that of one sophisticated syphi-
DON'T MISS
DON'T MESS
DON'T FUSS
litic who had "contacts" with 171 people
in no fewer than seven states and five
with sprays
with roll-ons
with creams
foreign countries.
Squirty sprays
Roll-ons feel
Nothing to rub
Greater teen-age promiscuity, includ-
often give hit-
tacky. Narrow
ing a take-a-chance attitude now that
in, nothing to
or miss coverage, can feel
rollers take extra rubbing to
dip fingers in. You never
penicillin has all but eliminated the fear
wet, drippy. Neat Mennen
apply. Mennen makes sure
touch deodorant. Just turn
of death and disfigurement.
Speed Stick goes on dry.
you're safely protected with
dial-up pops stick. Then
The reluctance of many private doctors
One stroke of Speed Stick
one stroke of Speed Stick.
one stroke of Speed Stick
to report a case of VD, thereby permitting
each day gives man-size
Heavy-duty deodorant
goes on dry, neat, with an
the disease to spread by thwarting the
coverage that really lasts!
protects round-the-clock.
all-man scent, by Mennen.
search for the original source.
74
TIME, APRIL 7, 1961
Reproduced at the Richard Nixon Presidential Library and Museum
down
SYNANON
beat
HOUSE
THE BI-WEEKLY MUSIC MAGAZINE
ISSUE
Jazz and narcotics are unfairly
linked in the public mind. Addiction
is rare among jazzmen and, reportedly,
actually runs lower than in the medical
profession. Yet there is a small minority
of musicians who suffer from this
terrible illness, and the problem cannot
be solved by pretending it doesn't exist.
A
lcoholics Anonymous has helped
countless victims of a similar sickness.
In this issue, you will read the inspiring
story of pianist Arnold Ross and a
remarkable new organization that is
providing dramatic proof that addicts
too can be cured-or, more precisely, can
cure themselves.
It is a story meant
not just for jazz fans, but for everyone
interested in the moral, mental, and
physical health of man.
Reproduced at the Richard Nixon Presidential Library and Museum
An Editorial
By GENE LEES
gerous to anyone in the vicinity. Professional criminals
This issue constitutes a departure for Down Beat.
excepted, the average addict is dangerous chiefly to himself,
There was a time when no one talked about narcotics, and
and then to those who love him. He is dangerous to the
the United Nations Commission on Narcotic Drugs, in a
latter only in that he is irresponsible, he will probably pawn
report made May 2, 1951, recommended against propaganda
anything that isn't nailed down, including a fellow musician's
and education about narcotics in the western nations as
horn, and he can rarely hold a job. Therefore, if he is a
"definitely dangerous."
married man, he offers little hope of security or peace of
But this country has become more frank and open on
mind to his family.
many subjects in the last few years, narcotics being but one
So far as being sex-mad is concerned-what utter non-
of them. On top of that, various media of communications,
sense! One of the peculiarities of heroin is that it destroys
including the motion picture industry, have found the sub-
its victim's interest in sex.
ject of drug addiction sufficiently lurid to be good box
Addicts (and I know a number of them) are, with a few
office. Unfortunately, some sort of connection between jazz
exceptions, harmless people-again excepting the profes-
and narcotics is implied in all too many cases.
sional criminals, whose viciousness stems from another
Recently, one of the girlie magazines carried an article
source. The addicted musician is usually a sensitive person,
about Miles Davis, written under a pseudonym by a New
often with a nature of such touching gentleness that many
York jazz writer who makes elaborate pretense of a sense
people love him and worry about him. I know of only one
of responsibility toward jazz. In the article, he dwelt in
musician addict who is vicious, and he is reportedly a
distasteful descriptive detail on the addiction of Charlie
police informer who gets his heroin from the police. The
Parker.
great majority of the remainder are pathetic people to those
Later, the same magazine carried a somewhat meaningless
who know them.
panel discussion on narcotics by several noted jazzmen. It
Such people need help, and need it badly. Little help can
helped and enlightened no one. But the jazz-narcotics con-
be expected from governmental bodies, whose attitudes on
nection was made in issue-selling headlines on the cover,
the subject have usually been backward when not downright
and once again, a tie-up had been suggested to the millions
sadistic. Recently a dancer was sentenced to 15 years in
who glance casually at magazines on newsstands.
prison in Texas for possession of marijuana! Art Pepper may
Last year, we saw a television whodunit end with the
get 40 years for possession of heroin, as a three-time loser.
killer identified as a dope-peddling jazz musician. And only
The people picked up for selling him the stuff-were
a few months ago, a sequence in the comic strip Kerry
acquitted. Laws that permit inequities clearly need revision.
Drake dwelt on jazz and narcotics, ending with the musician-
But until they are revised, those in our society who have
villain asking for his instrument in his cell. (Just when I
heart enough to care about the problem are going to have
was in a towering anger over this slander, Chet Baker was
to turn to the task of cure themselves. And the first step is
arrested for narcotics in Italy-and asked for his instru-
to make addicts realize that they can be cured. That is one
ment in his cell!)
reason we feel that the story of the Synanon foundation is
All this-a structure of fiction erected on a fragile foun-
important.
dation of fact-leads the layman to think there is some sort
of natural link between jazz and narcotics. Yet, numerically,
F
or all the false beliefs about heroin addiction (and let
musicians are low on the list of addiction-prone professions.
it be noted that throughout this discussion, we are talking
The Daniels Senate Narcotics commission several years
of no drugs but heroin and related opium derivatives), the
ago issued a report that so indicated. Attorney Maxwell
most treacherous is the idea that it is incurable. Addicts
Cohen recalls that doctors, nurses, and pharmacists were
themselves believe this, despite the examples set by Miles
high on the list, followed by professional criminals and
Davis, Red Rodney, broadcaster Bill Stern, and others who
housewives. Musicians came in somewhere about 12th.
have managed to break its hold.
And why not? What more convenient rationalization
Y et all that is neither here nor there. The fact is that
could the addict find for not trying to break his habit than
there are too many addicted musicians, and because
the conviction that it can't be broken anyway? How many
the rest of the society is shirking its duty does not mean that
alcoholics would have found the way back to healthy,
we in the music business should shirk ours. Instead of de-
productive life if they had been brainwashed by their society
fensively pretending that there is no such thing as a heroin-
to believe they were incurable?
addicted jazz musician, it is time we turned to the task of
Not that the cure for addiction is easy.
giving the public a more accurate picture of addiction and
its problems and of helping the present addicts cure them-
The physical cure takes only about a week. It is a week
selves of this terrible sickness. Perhaps if we set an example,
of hell, involving great pain, vomiting, mucous discharge,
by taking care of our own, those in other areas of the
sweating, uncontrolled twitching of the limbs, and diarrhea
so severe that it often culminates in colitis. But the real work
society will follow suit, and turn to the general eradication
of this sickness.
has not yet begun. After that comes the agonizing reappraisal
of self, the attempt to probe one's own soul to find out why
For a sickness is what addiction is, despite the impression
he wanted so badly to escape reality in the first place.
held by the general public and exemplified in one of the
letters you'll find in Chords and Discords this issue.
It is in this stage that the addict most needs help. Other-
wise, going through the painful physical "cure" is pointless.
A fantastic amount of misleading propaganda about ad-
Throw a man in prison for 10 days, and you've cured him
diction has been circulated, SO that the average person thinks
physically. But unless you help him achieve a psychological
of the addict as a wild-eyed, ravening, sex-mad beast dan-
break-through as well, you've accomplished nothing. Witness
February 2, 1961
13
Reproduced at the Richard Nixon Presidential Library and Museum
an example I saw only recently: released after three years
more cautious in evoking the penalties, and opening up the
in prison, one man was back on heroin in less than 24 hours.
law-enforcement agencies with ever more possibilities for
bribes.
O
ne of the most effective programs we have encountered
"If there is some way to legally help the sick musicians
to date is that of the Synanon foundation. In the light of
establish the right kind of psychological and medical center,
the dismal failures seen elsewhere, Synanon's success is
I and my company are willing to contribute time and money
thus far nothing short of remarkable. That is the main reason
to that end."
we decided to publish the Synanon story-not just for
And Riverside's Orin Keepnews wrote:
musicians who need help, but for anyone, anywhere, who
"I am extremely pleased to see Bob Weinstock up in
may be suffering from this fearsome sickness and may
arms about the narcotic situation, and would very much like
chance to read it.
to stop being one of those people who talk about such
Also, through publicizing their efforts, we hope to pave
things as 'the addict is not a criminal' and 'the New York
the way for Synanon to expand its program into other cities.
cabaret card scene is a horror' and maybe do something
The Synanon story came to us as the direct result of our
about it.
story on the arrest of Art Pepper. Arnold Ross read it, tele-
"Concretely, I would suggest that Down Beat, as a leading
phoned west coast editor John Tynan, and invited him to
industry publication, take the initiative in formally creating
see Synanon's program in action.
an action committee with regard to such matters. I would
Another man who read it was Prestige Records president
like to see you specifically invite record company executives,
Bob Weinstock. Weinstock wrote to Down Beat as follows:
other
publication people, union officials, musicians of
"Words cannot express how fed up I am with this situation,
major stature, perhaps significant people in other areas of
and I would like to know what the people in the music
the arts, and certainly and essentially important people of
business are going to do about it.
humanitarian bent in other and completely nonmusical
"How long are we going to continue to let the law exploit
walks of life-by which I mean politicians and clergymen
musicians? Musicians should be accorded the same treat-
and such.
ment as people in any other professions
This is definitely
"There are several other categories that I am sure will
not the case. First the cabaret card business in New York
occur to you, and I would very much like to see you extend
and now, as in the past, the unfair treatment of drug-addicted
written invitations to such people to join in the first discus-
musicians
In some cases, gifted, talented musicians
sions and then concrete lobbying in this whole area
have been thrown in with criminals of all types, when what
they need is deep psychiatric care and treatment. When they
F Portunately, there are signs that under president Herman
are released from prison, the original problem (mental)
Kenin, even the American Federation of Musicians is
has been made worse.
stirring out of the indifference that characterized it in the
past. A report on narcotics addiction is known to be in
"Is this justice? Is this the purpose of our laws? If so, they
preparation for Kenin. And Morton P. Jacobs, chairman
are in grave need of revision, and it is about time we started
of the social service committee for, and one of the directors
things rolling towards that end.
on the executive board of, Los Angeles' Local 47, showed
"I think we should all get together-people like Bill
how deep and active is his concern in a letter published in
Grauer (of Riverside Records), Alfred Lion (Blue Note),
Down Beat Dec. 8, 1960.
Norman Granz, the west coast companies, myself, etc.-
In the meantime, Messrs. Keepnews and Weinstock, pend-
and start a fund or something to help Art Pepper and other
ing reaction from others in the industry, might consider
unfortunate musicians who find themselves in this position.
whether they should and can help the Synanon foundation
The crime is not addiction, but the way these poor, mis-
start a New York branch. Bill Stern was interested in such
understood, sick people get labeled and treated. We must
a plan until he was hospitalized by a heart attack recently.
do something!"
Perhaps they can pick up where he was forced to leave off.
The initial response to Weinstock's challenge to the
Down Beat welcomes Orin Keepnews' suggestions, which
music business can only be called heart-warming. Sent a
impress us as being eminently sound. If there are enough
copy of Weinstock's letter, World Pacific's Dick Bock
others in the industry who feel as he does, we will accept
immediately replied:
the responsibility of forming the nucleus of the movement
"It's about time a hospital for musicians was established
he suggests.
both in New York and Los Angeles. It is ridiculous that the
Meanwhile, there is one thing we can do.
union, with all its trust funds, musicians' taxes, etc., does
It will be recalled that some months ago, we asked
nothing toward rehabilitating the sick musician. Just how a
readers to send funds for a headstone for the grave of
private hospital could be effective under the existing laws
Billie Holiday, left unmarked by her husband. Because Miss
needs careful study. At this time, a musician who admits
Holiday's estate has blocked efforts to put a headstone on
to being hooked is certainly liable to be arrested and jailed.
the grave, the money sent has awaited proper disposition.
With that prospect staring him in the face, my guess is that
A scholarship fund was considered.
he will not risk being arrested. Witness Billie Holiday's last
But now we ask that those readers who contributed this
days in the hospital.
money grant us permission to turn it over to the Synanon
"As long as there is such a terrific profit to be made
foundation, to help fight the disease that killed Miss Holiday.
selling drugs, organized crime will not allow any law to be
And we urge others to add to it.
passed that affects their profits. Actually, the law seems to
Synanon head C. E. Dederich said recently, "Perhaps
be playing right into the hands of organized crime by making
we can work out a fitting memorial to Miss Holiday-not
the penalties ever more severe, influencing the judges to be
in stone, but in living, drug-free musicians."
db
14
DOWN BEAT
Reproduced at the Richard Nixon Presidential Library and Museum
Hope for the Addicted
The story of the Synanon foundation
By JOHN TYNAN
I'd started another." After that, there was no turning back.
SANTA MONICA, CALIF.
The quicksand deepened, and the narcotic strengthened its
Three arrests on narcotics charges
Four spells in the
grip on his mind and nervous system. Despite repeated
same sanitarium for heroin addiction
One hitch in the
attempts to stay clean, despite extensive psychotherapy and
Camarillo state institution
Uncounted attempts to
trip after trip to the sanitarium, he remained addicted. Ross
"kick the habit" alone
One attempted suicide
knew he had to have help, yet he was convinced there was
This is the basic biography of the adult life of Arnold
no escape. He was a junkie, he was hooked.
Ross, jazz pianist. Up to six months ago it represented
the sum of one individual's attempt to flee the objective
realities of living.
Addicts know they can't be cured. 'Once a hype, always
a hype' is a deep-seated conviction in every addict's
Today, 39-year-old Ross is a truck driver who plays jazz
guts."
piano in his spare time. He's been "clean" since July, is
The speaker was C. E. (Chuck) Dederich, founder and
tanned and in fine physical shape and gainfully employed
chairman of Synanon foundation. An educated and eloquent
in the most meaningful way. Arnold Ross has finally found
man, Dederich, at 47, bears the physical scars of his own
understanding and help and, most important, is learning
long sickness-alcoholism He hasn't had a drink in five
to help himself find the only possible way out of the night-
years and now runs the foundation with an understanding,
mare in which he existed for a decade.
strength, and a determination that is contagious.
His helpers are some 50 other addicts.
A professional statistician, Dederich for many years held
Ross is part of a revolutionary and unprecedented salvage
top positions in advertising, merchandising, and public re-
operation, a controlled effort to rescue human lives from
lations. "For the last 10 years, before I quit drinking," he
the junk pile-a project so dynamic that Dr. Donald R.
said drily, "I was a promoter-in the negative sense of
Cressey, chairman of the department of anthropology and
the word."
sociology at the University of California at Los Angeles,
Walker Winslow, author of The Menninger Story and
regarded as a leading authority in criminology, recently
told a law enforcement convention, "This is the most sig-
If a Man Be Mad and an authority on mental health prob-
nificant attempt to keep addicts off drugs that has ever been
lems, has had ample opportunity to study Dederich and his
made." The operation is summed up in one word -
techniques. For several months now, Winslow has been
Synanon.
living at the foundation, gathering material for a book on
the Synanon project.
There is nothing cultist or mystic about the Synanon
foundation. It is run by addicts for addicts, and if there is
"Dederich," Winslow said, "is an intuitive psychologist.
one term that best describes its approach to rehabilitation,
He's one of the best I've encountered, and I think any good
it is hard-headed realism. Above all, it is a going concern,
psychiatrist would agree with that. He has taken the
and it is working.
rationalizing mechanisms of the addict and the alcoholic
and has neutralized them. Then, too, he has a remarkably
L ike all addicts who come to Synanon for help, Arnold
positive personality. By expressing himself firmly to these
Ross was desperate. His first visit to the massive red-
people, by holding them in line firmly, he's expressing a
brick building on the beach at Santa Monica - at 1351
real concern for them. His approach is probably the only
Ocean Front Blvd. - was in May, 1959. He described the
way of reaching them and holding them, and his firmness
events leading to his arrival.
really discourages the phonies who wander in.
"I'd tried to kill myself," he said matter of factly, "and
"This firmness of his gains respect. For instance, I've
landed in County General hospital. They found needle
been through Alcoholics Anonymous, and I feel that Chuck
marks on me, and I was booked for 'misdemeanor-marks."
Dederich is better equipped to deal with narcotics addicts
When my case came up, my lawyer told me the only way
than Bill Wilson, who founded AA, was with alcoholics."
I could avoid the county jail was to commit myself to
Dederich's ability to inspire others to work all out for
Camarillo for treatment. So I did. Then, when I got out,
his project cannot be overstressed, Winslow said. A good
I went with (a) club group. I was back on dope fast. I
example of this may be seen in Reid Kimball, who handled
quit the group and tried to kick again by myself, but I
Synanon's public relations. Addicted for 18 years, Kimball
couldn't make it. So I came to Synanon."
had what Winslow described as "one of the worst addictive
Heeding a variety of rationalizations, he didn't remain
problems I've encountered." Kimball now is one of the
this first time. But last July 7, Ross returned and stayed.
Synanon leaders, and the work has become his lifetime
Pianist Ross enjoyed a rising reputation in the late 1930s
career. Winslow added that many residents want to become
and '40s with a variety of bands, including the late Glenn
Synanon leaders for life. He said, "If this thing grows,
Miller's army orchestra and Harry James (1944-47). In
most of these people will feel the need to dedicate them-
1950, Ross says, while on a tour of Europe as accompanist
selves to it."
to a name singer, he started his first serious heroin habit.
Winslow considers Dederich's refusal to compromise as
"When we got back," he continued, "I kicked. But soon
crucial. "I've seen opportunities here," he said, "where a
February 2, 1961
15
Reproduced at the Richard Nixon Presidential Library and Museum
"I look at it this way: This is my house, and I don't
want anybody coming in loaded. It's as simple as that."
Thus, it is little wonder that in more than two years of
Synanon's existence, there has never been any trouble with
the police. There has never been an arrest out of Synanon.
According to Dederich, the proportion of musician addicts
living at Synanon has been and is low. "We've only had two
name musicians here," he said. One of these is Ross; the
other was a trumpeter who tried living there awhile but left.
There now are four jazz musicians resident there. Besides
Ross, there is Paul, a bass player; Greg, a trombonist and
a drummer.
When this writer spent a day at Synanon recently, Greg
had been there only a week. His face and manner betrayed
considerable strain. He was reticent, withdrawn; he seemed
preoccupied with his inner conflict. On the other hand,
Greg appeared to have found common cause with the
other musicians. At a "club" party the previous Saturday
night, Greg had played trombone with the rhythm section.
He said he'd enjoyed it. Greg had not played in some time;
he had come to the sanctuary after having served a term
in the U.S. public health service institution at Fort Worth,
ARNOLD ROSS
Texas.
compromise would have gained a few dollars for the
At the end of his first week, Greg said he felt that, while
foundation in the case of a member earning money and
many addicts know of Synanon's existence, they have an
bringing it in regularly. But if this person were damaging
incorrect and distorted picture of the place and its function.
the organization, even slightly, Dederich wouldn't hestitate
Either they think of it as a form of hospital, a drying-out
to throw him out."
haven where they can bide time before hitting the street
again, or they consider it a more elaborate form of Alco-
O
rganized in September, 1958, by Dederich and its
holics or Narcotics Anonymous. They are ignorant of its
present secretary, Adaline Ainley, Synanon had its be-
essential character-a full-time home for the hooked, with
ginning in an unused garage in the seaside slum known as
a planned program founded on what Dederich describes
Ocean Park. There were many alcoholics and narcotics
as a "psycho-sociological approach to the problem, where
addicts in the neighborhood.
dope addiction is attacked at gut-level."
"It was right in the middle of 'Dopeville,'' Dederich
The term gut-level is frequently on Dederich's lips, and
said. "There were just a few of us then at Synanon, and,
it is an appropriate term. It means simply that the newly
of course, addicts on the outside knew about us. Sometimes
arrived addict is set straight the moment he sits down for
the hypes would park in the lot and sneak in to use our
what is called an indoctrination interview.
sink water to fix."
Interviews are conducted on the most realistic level. They
However, as the number of addicts seeking help in-
creased, Dederich knew they would have to find suitable
are interrogations with no holds barred. Invariably the
addict will run through what his examiners know are the
quarters.
stock lines: "Tired of running
"Life has become
"We heard that the national guard was vacating this
armory so we made a bid for the lease," he said. "We got
meaningless
"Sick of being in and out of jail
it for $500 a month, less than the previous tenants paid."
The addict's every line, every move will be countered. His
interviewers know them all-they've used the same routines
Because of the basic policy and principle of insisting that
themselves, time beyond number.
addicts live on the premises, police attention was constant,
if unofficial. In the lexicon of the narcotics detective, if
Just how "gut-level" basic a Synanon interview can be,
two addicts get together, it can only mean they will "shoot
I discovered when I was invited to sit in anonymously on
up."
an impromptu session.
Keenly aware of this, the residents of Synanon, on the
An addict had just walked in and registered at the front
road to recovery, jealously guard their home.
desk.
"You'll find nothing here but aspirin," Ross said. "No
The interview took place in Dederich's "office," a room
chemicals, no pills of any other kind. No liquor, wine, or
casually furnished with an assortment of pieces donated
beer. Nothing but coffee. And cigarets." He grinned.
by interested members of the community-a living-room
"We're all hooked on cigarets."
sectional couch familiar with better days, a large, low,
When Ross first settled at Synanon, he couldn't sleep.
cluttered coffee table, and assorted side tables. Within easy
He'd got out of the habit. "I thought I could at least get
reach rested volumes on psychology, philosophy, and a
a sleeping pill," he recalled. "But no dice. They just didn't
variety of subjects. From a nail in the wall hung a banner
have any. So I had to get to sleep the hard way, the
bearing a quotation from Shakespeare. A battered tape
natural way."
recorder stood against another wall.
Some addicts, in their desperation for escape, will try
Being escorted in was a dark-haired woman clad in a
to take advantage of the aspirin supply and stock up. "We
short, stylish jacket and white, synthetic leather Capri pants.
found a few of the girls here were stockpiling aspirin," Ross
She gave her age as 24 and said she had been using heroin
said. "But when we discovered what they were up to, we
for five years.
cut them off even that."
Dederich sprawled in an armchair facing the addict,
It has not been unknown at Synanon that an addict will
planted his bare feet on the coffee table, and asked her to
enter the place "loaded," even though this is expressly for-
sit down. In the room, besides myself, were three other
bidden.
Synanon residents who comprised the interview board—
"When a hype comes in here out of his or her nut," Ross
Reid Kimball; a pretty young woman with a nine-year
declared firmly, "we put him out.
record of addiction, and a white-haired man who could
16
DOWN BEAT
Reproduced at the Richard Nixon Presidential Library and Museum
have been in his early or middle 40s, who had been a prac-
"We told him he was, of course, welcome to Synanon,"
ticing attorney before getting hooked, and who now acts
Dederich related, "and explained how we work. But when
as Synanon's resident lawyer.
he found out he'd have to live here to get well, he ap-
The questioning was bluntly direct, uncompromising, and
parently decided his business and family came first. He said
unrelentingly aimed at evaluating the sincerity of the pros-
he had some things that he had to take care of. And he
pect. Toying with a cigaret, the woman being interviewed
left. Couple of days later the papers carried the story. He'd
was a difficult subject-she was obviously loaded to the
gone home and blown his head off with a shotgun."
high-water mark with narcotics of some kind.
Had the doctor elected to enroll in the Synanon effort,
"Relax," Dederich told her, "this isn't a police station.
he would have found the door open at all times. He would
Why do you want to stop using dope?"
have been free to depart any time he chose. The open-door
The young woman could barely articulate. Her speech
policy for those who live and recover there is an integral
was slurred; when words came, they came drawling from a
part of the program.
murky abyss.
"I want to stop," she enunciated in almost meditative
Arnold Ross described the policy as the key to Synanon.
fashion, "because, well, there's just no sense to it. It don't
"It's the knowledge that I can go if I please that keeps me
here," he said. "But I don't go; I stay. So far as I'm con-
mean anything; it's leading nowhere."
cerned, this is my home from now on."
"You're killing yourself," Kimball interposed. "You
know that, don't you?"
Stated another way, in the words of Greg, the trom-
"Yeah," she drawled, "I know it's got to lead to that."
bonist, "It's being with your own kind-who're clean" that
"When did you last score?" Dederich asked.
makes up the mind of an addict. "All you can think about,"
"Nov. 5," she told him.
he added, "is getting your wig straight, of getting well."
"What are you on right now?"
"This gives you peace of mind," Ross added, "and it's
The young woman said a doctor had given her some
something you can't buy. I found out that I'm an in-
tranquilizer and had recommended she contact Synanon.
dividual, finally."
"Sure," retorted Dederich, "you're so tranquilized right
Ross said he doesn't "feel like working night clubs yet,"
now, you're melting. The only thing holding you together
though he recently made a record date as a sideman. He
is those leather pants of yours."
admitted he has thought of leaving Synanon "many times"
She smiled vaguely. "Oh yeah," she said slowly, "but I
but there is significance in his staying on. At this point in
got all my faculties
his residence, he is in the second of three Synanon stages:
The others burst out laughing. It was calculated laughter,
he has passed the stage of living totally in the building-
designed to shock.
restricted to the premises and permitted walks outside only
Kimball leaned forward, sarcasm edging his words: "You
when accompanied by older residents-and is now on the
run up and down alleys, buying milk sugar and shooting it
"hustling squad" truck, which drives through the Los
into your veins so it'll put you to sleep, huh?"
Angeles area soliciting donations of goods (no money is
She smiled uncertainly and said, "Well, yeah, I guess so."
asked) that serve to sustain the residents.
"And you know it's only milk sugar," shot back Dederich.
Synanon residents in the third stage have developed and
"Don't you?"
recovered to the point where they have left the house, found
She nodded. "Yeah, I guess that's right."
jobs "on the outside" and are leading normal lives as re-
"Why, a shot of straight morphine would kill you right
sponsible citizens with homes and families of their own.
now," Dederich said. He turned to Kimball. "A half-grain of
They return regularly to the Santa Monica armory for dis-
morphine would do it, wouldn't it?" he asked.
cussion sessions (called "synanons") with resident addicts,
"A quarter-grain would be more than enough to kill her,"
and also to serve in a counseling capacity.
Kimball said.
Synanon works toward getting its residents to this third
"So you're running up alleys shooting milk sugar."
stage. But no one is rushed, and it is possible that some
Kimball had the ball now. "Just so it'll put you to sleep.
will never leave-choosing to stay and make a lifetime career
And you just did 14 months on Terminal island for that?
of helping other addicts get well. "Obviously, this is a
And you got all your faculties?" His sarcasm grated in the
form of social service work," Dederich said. "And it is quite
air. All present exploded in derisive laughter.
possible we'll run across people who'll be more comfortable
And so the interview progressed. The addict admitted
staying around here." For those who do not feel assured
she intended to marry a man not yet divorced. He was
enough to leave, there will be a consolation, and a big one:
waiting for her downstairs, at Synanon's reception desk.
"It's better than shooting dope or being in the pen," Dederich
When her story had been told, it became apparent that she
said bluntly.
had come to Synanon to dry out, so she could function well
Of the 176 addicts who have stayed at Synanon long
enough to maintain a relationship with the man-not him-
enough to break the physical habit (it takes five days to a
self an addict-she forlornly hoped to marry.
week), Dederich estimates that 169 are no longer using
At the conclusion of the interview, Dederich proposed
drugs.
that the addict speak with some of the female residents of
"But not all are what we call healthy third stage,"
Synanon in the large, bright living room of the hospice,
Dederich said, "because they are not in close touch. We
which overlooks spacious beach and limitless ocean. Later
know, though, that they're in good shape." Actively par-
in the day a check of the records showed she chose not to
ticipating in the organization are eight third-stagers who
stay. Presumably, she felt she could get along without
keep in very close contact with Synanon, regularly working
Synanon's help. She left with her intended and went back
with the residents.
to the jungle.
P
ossibly the most graphic illustration of the totality of the
T
he "synanons" through which the residents gain psycho-
logical insight into themselves resemble conventional
Synanon operation and the tragic consequences of re-
psychotherapy discussion groups. But there is a distinct
fusal to accept it is seen in a relatively recent incident.
difference: there is no group leader, no "authority figure."
A 28-year-old physician, established in his profession
As Reid Kimball put it, "In synanons, all the hostilities
with a lucrative practice, showed up at the foundation one
emerge. They can get pretty hot. Names are called and
day begging help. He said he had become hopelessly ad-
frequently the language gets pretty blue." The synanons
dicted to a synthetic opiate drug.
serve as psychological catalysts, vehicles on which the ad-
February 2, 1961
17
Reproduced at the Richard Nixon Presidential Library and Museum
dicts may ride to resolutions, for the moment, of their
Synanon. Rather than hoping for a cure, he turns to the
multihued problems.
foundation with the desperation of a bewildered animal.
After the first-stage addict has broken his physical habit,
Those who run Synanon know this, yet an addict seeking
he commences the process of rehabilitation. He attends
help is never turned away.
three synanons a week, and also the general meetings held
"Nobody," asserts Dederich, "has ever come here to be
every Saturday night.
cured."
In addition to these, the first-stager participates in
"A hype doesn't want to get well," Kimball added. "He
seminars at which questions of philosophy, psychology, and
wants to want to get well." The first step in the Synanon
a wide variety of subjects are discussed. Supplementing
rehabilitation program may be said to focus on this second-
this, the addict is constantly encouraged to read voraciously.
hand wish. The focus is razor sharp, precise, and deep-
Housework about the building consumes much of the
cutting into the addict's consciousness.
first-stager's daily routine. "Actually," said Dederich, "too
It's customary to describe the dope addict as emotionally
much time is taken up in the work around the house. But
immature," Dederich explained. "Well, we take the ex-
there's firewood to be gathered and chopped to feed the
pression literally. Hypes are children. They think like
building's fireplaces - Synanon has no other means of
children and they behave like children. And that's how we
heating. The kitchen, too, occupies much of the resident's
treat them. You treat a child as a child. You tell them what
time as they sort the daily food, separating good vegetables
to do, when, and how to do it. You tell them when to eat,
from rotten, for example, and preparing the meals. Office
when to sleep, what's good and what's bad for them. My
work and general administration of the organization con-
God, you've got to."
sume more time."
So, this child-care experiment at Synanon functions
or the musicians at Synanon, residence there is by no
practicably from the foundation of its premise. The chil-
F
dren are nurtured, taught new responsibilities as they grow,
means seclusion. The weekend preceding my visit, Ross,
introduced to concepts and ideas they never dreamed
Paul, and another resident went "on the town" together.
existed.
They visited several Hollywood jazz clubs, just as they
During my visit, I sat in on a late-morning seminar held
might were all three completely healthy. They were not
bothered by narcotics pushers, nor were they accosted by
in the dining room. The discussion centered on a statement
police. In their tour of various clubs they ran across several
by Friederich Nietzsche to the effect that contemplation of
suicide is sometimes an effective device to help one through
musician addicts.
"One cat we met," said Ross, "looked like he was ashamed
a bad night. The sight of 22 "dope fiends" sitting around
in a discussion such as this is as impressive as it seems
to talk with us. We knew he was strung out. He kept hang-
unlikely.
ing his head and wouldn't look at us."
Although contact with drug users is frowned upon by the
At one point in the seminar, Kimball leaned across the
table and whispered, "How many of these hypes ever
directors of Synanon, under such circumstances, the contact
heard of Nietzsche before they came here?"
may be described as semiaccidental. "As to that," said Ross,
He had a point.
"we figure that there is safety in numbers."
Ross, understandably, is especially concerned about
At
Synanon one gets the impression that time has been
getting the Synanon message to musician addicts. "There
held at bay. For the residents there is no schedule of
are so many cats strung out," he said shaking his head
recovery. There is only what Paul, the bass player, termed
sadly, "and I know many of them could do well here if
"concentrated living."
they only knew how we work and what our work means.
This is a concentration that brooks no interference.
"We're not crackpots or missionaries; we're hypes who
"Sometimes," explained Ross, "an addict's family will
want to get well. In helping the others here, we're helping
unwittingly pull him out of here by calling and asking,
ourselves, and vice versa. If the musicians who're hooked
'When do you think you'll be well?' Things like that. As
only knew this, if they knew the truth about Synanon, I
if you can set a time limit on this thing."
feel many of them would come to us."
After six months, Ross has reached the point where he
Generally speaking, addicted musicians, in common with
can consider the possibility of not playing piano profes-
other artists, are what Dederich describes as secondary
sionally anymore. "After all," he said reflectively, "there
addicts. He said he feels that addiction basically is divided
are other things in life. The world doesn't begin and end
intó primary and secondary groups. The primary addict,
with music." This does not mean he is seriously considering
he said, presents by far the more serious problem, because
giving up the only craft he knows. It means simply that
the roots of the sickness lie deeper. In the artistic, creative
he has accepted the reality of drug addiction and has
person, addiction usually is the result of frustrated expres-
arrived at the point where he can appreciate fully his posi-
sion or some deep disturbance in the individual's personal
tion as a neurotic human being, trying to get well in the
life that is inhibiting his creativity. When the disturbance
only way possible.
reaches crisis stage, escape into drugs is found to be the
Many of the Synanon residents fill gratis speaking en-
only answer.
gagements to outside groups. Recently, for example, Ross
The primary addict, on the other hand, is wedded to
lectured to a Presbyterian church body on the foundation's
drugs not so much by an escape wish but by a chronic com-
group therapy techniques. Dederich, Kimball, and many
pulsion to get high, to anticipate the heroin "flash," to stay
other members of the "club" have addressed disparate civic
"out of it" as often and for as long as possible.
groups on Synanon's work in rehabilitation.
Put another way, one might describe the primary addict
One result of this outside activity is that now the founda-
as being hooked purely and solely for the sake of the drug,
tion has a regularly visiting physician, Dr. Bernard Cassel-
while the secondary addict is hooked in spite of it.
man, a former police surgeon, who provides medical care
But to the addict it matters little whether his habit is
to the residents at no charge. There is also free dental
primary or secondary. As Reid Kimball told the young
treatment and a volunteer ophthamologist.
woman at the indoctrination interview, "You know you're
That interest in Synanon is more than casual in "high
going to wind up dead in an alley or a cheap room from an
places" is evidenced in a recent invitation-a three-page
overjolt if you keep this up. That's why you want to quit."
telegram-to Dederich to meet with President Eisenhower's
Helplessly, she nodded agreement.
interdepartmental committee on narcotics when that body
This, then, is a common reason for an addict contacting
visited Los Angeles. Dederich, accompanied by Kimball,
18
DOWN BEAT
Reproduced at the Richard Nixon Presidential Library and Museum
invited the committee in turn to visit the foundation and
Dederich keeps a bill-filled wallet in an open drawer of
see, in Dederich's words, "more clean hypes than have ever
his desk. His office is never locked. "Everybody knows
before been assembled."
where it is," he said, "but it has yet to be touched by any
The committee's response? Dederich reported bitterly,
addict living here." During an inspection of the large, well-
"You never saw such pencil doodling and elbow nudging
equipped, and immaculately clean kitchen, Arnold Ross
in your life. Not one of 'em would even look at us. Then
pointed to 15 cents lying on a table. "That's probably been
we got an official thank-you and the brush-off. Those men
there all day," he commented. Then he added, "And it'll
wouldn't drive 18 miles from their committee room to see
lie there until the owner comes and gets it."
the evidence. After coming all the way from Washington,
From the basement, with its closed-circuit television setup
D.C., to study narcotics addiction, they wouldn't travel an
(donated by UCLA), to the roof, commanding a sweeping
extra 18 miles to study successful rehabilitation with their
view of Santa Monica bay, Synanon hums like a beehive.
own eyes!"
It throbs with productive life, and it radiates the energy of
On yet another official level, Synanon faces much worse
people working together toward a common end. As writer
than the cold shoulder. The City of Santa Monica is at-
Walker Winslow noted in an article on Synanon published
tempting to put the foundation out of operation by charging
in the magazine Manas Sept. 14, 1960, "the founders
the officers with operating a hospital without a license.
seem to be people who can take the sick and rejected and
Helped by a battery of four attorneys (all working free),
bring them together in such a way as to create what Dr.
Synanon is prepared to take the case to the U. S. Supreme
Karl Menninger calls, 'the atmosphere of people getting
Court if necessary. The legal definition of a hospital aside,
well,' and this with the most hopeless people on earth."
the following facts probably weigh heavily in the city's
Chuck Dederich even now is setting sights on additional
official viewpoint: some of Synanon's neighbors have long
branches of the foundation in those urban areas where nar-
been disturbed by the proximity of what they see as so many
cotics addiction is most prevalent.
"dope fiends" under one roof and have been quite vocal
Anyone interested in forming Synanon branches would
in their concern; the foundation also draws no color line.
be asked to visit the Santa Monica building, bringing two
or three ex-addicts with him. They would stay three or four
S
ynanon continues to function. Many business persons
months, studying Synanon techniques. Then, along with a
in the community donate food, milk, coffee, worn
leader from the Santa Monica Synanon, they would return
furniture, bedding, clothes, and money. In this connection,
to their city to start the new branch. This would give the
it is worth noting that, in a letter dated July 7, 1960, the U.S.
pioneers a working nucleus of six or seven persons for the
Treasury Department declared the foundation a tax-exempt
branch. With Synanon branches established in various
charitable organization. The letter said, "Contributions
cities, the Santa Monica foundation would act as national
made to you are deductible by the donors in computing
headquarters for administrative centralization. The more
their taxable income in the manner and to the extent pro-
branches like the one in Santa Monica, the greater chance
vided by Section 170 of the 1954 code."
of helping the pariah addict earn his place as a productive
There is no cut-and-dried order to Synanon's daily menu.
human being.
It is dependent on whatever the "hustling squad" can secure
Arnold Ross, ex-heroin user, is traveling that highway
from merchants-day-old bread, meat that has been stored
to hope, along with the other members of the "club."
in the freezer a little too long, stale milk and eggs. On one
Prior to leaving Synanon, I mentioned to Paul, the bassist,
occasion the residents dined on pheasant for dinner but
that during the course of the day I had not heard the word
were unable to follow the meal with a cigaret. There wasn't
"junkie" used even once. He looked puzzled. "That's funny,"
a pack in the house, and no one had money to buy one.
he said, "it never occurred to me." Then he raised his head
On the day of this reporter's visit, the dinner menu was
and remarked, "That's how we think here; I guess that ex-
breast of capon. The following evening it may well have
pression doesn't come so naturally any more."
been beans.
Around the time of Arnold Ross' first inspection of Syn-
The level of personal honesty and mutual trust among
anon, in May, 1959, saxophonist Art Pepper also showed
the residents is little short of wondrous in view of their
up "to look us over," as Dederich phrased it.
backgrounds.
But Art Pepper never went back.
db
FIREPLACE THERAPY AT SYNANON
Sawing logs for the three fireplaces that provide heat for the entire building are Henry Santillian, Charles Dederich, and Arnold Ross.
February 2, 1961
19
Reproduced at the Richard Nixon Presidential Library and Museum
My
50
First
ears
Society whitey MITCHELL
Bands
Gordon (Whitey) Mitchell is the noted jazz bassist, the
have earned money playing society music.
brother of another fine bassist, Red Mitchell. Whitey, 28,
The society music of today is a hodgepodge of warmed-
has played in the rhythm sections of such groups as those of
over music of the '20s, Broadway show tunes, movie
Tony Scott, J. J. Johnson and Kai Winding, Charlie Ventura,
themes, naughty French or Italian songs, and standards, all
Gene Krupa, Johnny Richards, Oscar Pettiford. He also
superimposed on a cut-time kickbeat rhythm called "busi-
has had his own group. A gifted musician, Whitey demon-
nessman's bounce" in an incongruous medley that lasts all
strates in this article that he is also one of those rare jazzmen
evening.
who can express himself as well in words as in music.
Individual musicians with proof of a heart condition or
weak kidneys may be excused from the stand from time to
time, but the band plays on. This is known as "playing con-
It hasn't been easy for me, as a jazz player, to devote 50
tinuous." And union scale for this type of work is high. So,
years of my life to playing with society bands, especially
I suspect, is the mortality rate.
since I'm 28.
Our beloved union insists, with a display of rare insight,
But if someone had kept track of all the choruses of Lady
that each musician must have at least a five-minute break
Is a Tramp I've had to play; all the hours I've had to spend
for every hour played on a continuous job and allows that
looking for private residences on unmarked, unpaved, and
these five-minute breaks may be accumulated to form one
unlit streets in Nassau and Fairfield counties; all the dry
glorious intermission. But by the time you've found the
chicken sandwiches I've choked down in one dismal country-
men's room, the kitchen, your dry chicken sandwich, the
club kitchen after another; all the time spent in fellowship
mayonnaise, a coffee cup, coffee, cream, sugar, and spoon,
with musicians who know more about the Dow-Jones indus-
you'll be lucky to have 90 seconds left of your intermission.
trial average than the contents of a C7 chord; all the hours
All this time, of course, a skeleton crew remains on duty
spent absorbing hysterical-emotional abuse liberally dis-
pounding out melodies for the dancers. The band sounds a
pensed by tone-deaf baton-wavers under working conditions
little empty, but by this time the people are in no condition
that would have interested Marx and Engels-then that
to notice, and the bandleader invariably makes up for the
someone could only conclude that an estimate of 50 years
lack of volume by increasing the tempo. The music must
of servitude is a conservative one.
never stop, you see, for if it does, some couple might leave
There seems to be a curious relationship between jazzmen
the floor, and some other couple might realize how asinine
and society music, and it is one that has existed for a long
they've been dancing all this time, and still another couple
time.
might notice how much their feet hurt, and all these people
Every successful society leader I know of depends on the
leaving the floor at the same time might precipitate a rush
ability of his band to play any tune at any moment and
for the door that might end the party, infuriate the hostess,
without benefit of music. A surprising amount of jazz is re-
blackball this particular orchestra leader with this particular
quired at society functions, and it's well known that not very
social set, and eventually drive him into the dry-cleaning
much jazz can be produced by a lone man waving a stick.
business with his brother-in-law.
Hence society leaders are always ready to ensnare good jazz
No wonder, then, you get a withering stare if you stop
players, and Benny Goodman, Gene Krupa, Bobby Hackett,
momentarily, after hours of relentless pumping, to see if
Urbie Green, and scores of others, at one time or another,
gangrene has set in anywhere.
20
DOWN BEAT
Reproduced at the Richard Nixon Presidential Library and Museum
SYNANON
An Article on Synanon, Inc.,
reprinted from Manas for Sept. 14, 1960
Synanon works
"By enabling man to go right, disabling him to go wrong." -LAO-TZE
Reproduced at the Richard Nixon Presidential Library and Museum
MANAS
VOLUME XIV, No. 6
Fifteen Cents
FEBRUARY 8, 1961
SYNANONREVISITED
I
N late August of last year, an editor of MANAS, having
day that drug-free health returns. If at any point the addict
heard that a group of ex-drug addicts, housed by Syna-
decides that the going is too tough, he can walk out, al-
non, Inc., were having some trouble with the authorities,
though Synanon members will try to discourage him from
suggested that we visit their home and headquarters at 1351
doing so. Thus, when he does kick the habit "cold turkey,"
Ocean Front, in Santa Monica. That visit was one of the
without the aid of drugs, he has a feeling of accomplish-
most exciting evenings either of us had experienced, and be-
ment that he wouldn't have had under any other circum-
fore noon the next day, I had finished writing the article,
stances. He has made a moral investment in Synanon, and
"Ex-Addicts, Incorporated," that appeared in MANAS for
is part of it.
Sept. 14, 1960. Synanon House had exuded an aura of suc-
"No addict ever comes to Synanon for a cure," Chuck
cessful living that overpowered my skepticism about addicts
Dederich states flatly. Interviews with members prove him
staying "clean" under any but the most extraordinary aus-
right in this statement. Most come because the law is
pices.
breathing down their neck, or because they need a respite
I was puzzled and intrigued; I had to see more of Syna-
from the ever-increasing amount of crime their habit de-
non. There was no trouble about that; Charles E. (Chuck)
mands. If they kick and get built up physically, they can
Dederich, and his board of directors, not only invited me
then go back to drugs with a habit that will be less demand-
to visit whenever I chose, but insisted that I move in and
ing, for a while, at least. A man I interviewed recently, an
stay as long as I wished.
addict of 20 years standing who can make money easier
Move in, I did-first for a week; then, a month and a
than most, told me he came in to cut down on his habit, and
half ago, for a period which will continue until I complete
when he was clean-completely off drugs-he stayed on,
a book about Synanon and its people. Living with fifty or
just to see if a couple of other old-timers would make it.
more dope fiends-their own designation for themselves-
For several months, a sort of malicious curiosity kept him
might seem an adventure to some, or a novel way of gather-
clean, and then he began to notice that he felt better than he
ing morbid material, but to me it has been an experience in
had ever before in his life. As a child, he had been taught
a new dynamic of family life that each day brings some
that the only wrong was being caught, and that right was
fresh reward.
doing well for yourself in a material way, preferably by
At one time, I counselled drug addicts in a clinic within
crime. Up until eight months after entering Synanon, he
a penal institution, and was continually depressed by the
had adhered strictly to the criminal code. Now, after eight-
hopelessness they felt and which I couldn't break through.
een months in the group, he admits-with some embarrass-
My civil service title was "Mental Health Therapist," but
ment-that his new ethic and morality may have ruined
to the addicts I was only an odd sort of warden who had
him as a hustler and dope fiend. Actually, you'd have to
been hired SO that the public could compensate for at least
search for an addict less likely to stay off drugs. "By en-
a little of the guilt felt for punishing sick men. Here, in
abling man to go right, disabling him to go wrong" is a
Synanon, people sometimes seek my counsel, and since I am
slogan Synanon has taken from Lao-Tze. The man I have
no longer an apologist for a sick society I can give freely of
just described is a living example of that slogan in action.
the little I know and have it taken seriously by the free man
Although Synanon now has enough experienced "old-
who comes to me. And I'm far from depressed and hopeless
timers" to expand and open new houses, Chuck Dederich,
about the addicts I live with.
the founder, continues as something more than a leader. In
The essence of Synanon is the open door that swings both
the past, there were times when he was incapable of even
ways. The sick, outlawed, and harried addict who is under
leading himself, but you have to take his word for that,
an irresistible compulsion to commit at least $50 worth of
since it's impossible to know him now, and think of him as
crime every day in order to pay for his habit, can enter Syn-
less than a leader in any situation. He has the carriage of
anon and find a haven. There he will have to kick his habit
a gladiator, and his features are square and aggressive. Even
the hard way, just as he would have to in jail, or in a State
when he's relaxing, which is a lot of the time, he exudes
Hospital where derision would be the rule, and sympathy
an aura of power. He might be thought to be rigid, stub-
a novelty. In Synanon, however, sympathy and empathy
born and impervious to ideas from the outside, but behind
are the rule in the period between indoctrination and the
this façade is a man whose intuitions and intellectual curi-
Reproduced at the Richard Nixon Presidential Library and Museum
2
MANAS
osity leaven the rigidity and stubbornness. He has the tough-
him, and the psychological and philosophical approach, as
ness that he knows is needed to control dope fiends, but
well as the sociological, seemed to him to be neglected.
when this is used to keep men and women from destroying
Soon he had attracted a small group, and they were holding
themselves, no one can doubt the tenderness hidden behind
what he calls "Anonymous Anonymous Meetings," a sort
it. He has learned the hard way that the kind of "tender
of self-help group without a professional leader. A mod-
loving care" that allows a dope fiend a few pills or an occa-
erator was chosen from the group. Chuck was almost al-
sional fix doesn't work, and that a permissiveness which lets
ways the moderator, and as word of the group spread, there
them go out on their own too soon is destructive.
were several meetings each week. What set this work apart
Four or five years ago, Chuck realized that he was an
was that Chuck had a knack of getting people to take the
alcoholic and had lost control of his life. His drinking was
wraps off and really have at it. The landlord was soon
so progressive and uninterrupted that when he went to
complaining of the noise.
Alcoholics Anonymous and sobered up, he decided that he
At about this time, the only dope fiend Chuck had ever
had had his first and last hangover. In keeping with his
knowingly met showed up, and soon he attracted several
obsessive personality, he threw himself completely into
others. To the surprise of everyone, some of them actually
the work of that organization, giving up his job, his home,
began staying off drugs. Without Chuck particularly will-
and living "catch as catch can." During this period, he was
ing it, a colony began to form around him, those with money
undoubtedly storing away a lot of knowledge of the addic-
chipping in to pay for the food and rent of those without.
tive personality without any idea of how he would make use
What is now known as Synanon had begun to take shape;
of it. Then, one day, he heard that a psychiatrist from
more drug addicts were coming to meetings, and caste-
UCLA was giving LSD (a form of lysergic acid) to alco-
conscious alcoholics were dropping out. Chuck didn't know
holics in an attempt to bring their problems to the surface.
much about drug addicts at that stage, but of one thing he
He decided to give this theory a test.
was sure-they would do better under one roof where he
What happened can only be handled sketchily here.
could keep an eye on them.
Chuck was an atypical patient in that he experienced no re-
An old store building was rented, furniture and bedding
gression, no sensory enhancement or hallucinations. During
hustled, and what was known as the T.L.C. Club (tender
the active period of LSD intoxication, his normal traits ap-
loving care) was open for "business," with almost forty
peared merely in a sort of caricature. One phrase that came
customers and no money in the cash register. The Beatnik
into his mind impressed him: "It doesn't matter, but, at the
joints up the street were not as colorful by design as T.L.C.
same time it matters exquisitely." He would go to his room
was by necessity. Each meal meant that a few dollars had
and give way to tears for an hour or more every day. Even
to be raised somewhere. "It will emerge" and "It doesn't
with the seeming grief, there was euphoria.
matter" became slogans. Candles were used at night and
When the grief-bearing memories and the euphoria left,
after group therapy, addict musicians would form a combo
the strange feeling of omnipotence and omniscience that
and release their hostility, or feeling of victory, as the case
had been with him from the beginning continued. He felt
might be. But out of the chaos, where the moans of agony
that he could resolve all paradoxes and, indeed, he did seem
of those kicking the drug habit mixed in with the exuber-
to confound many of the people he met and argued with.
ance of those who were clean and those who were using
This lasted for nearly six months, but after that it remained
drugs on the sly, order was emerging. Chuck was getting
certain that he had undergone a personality change. As the
tougher at the group sessions, and he was learning about
psychiatrist who had given him the LSD put it, "You were
drug addicts from those he counselled personally. The
poised and were mustering your forces toward a goal that
wild, authority-hating complex of misfits he had collected
wasn't clear to you, and the LSD experience triggered those
looked up to him and made strong and positive transfer-
forces." Another LSD treatment simply made Chuck a little
ences, and respectfully called him "Dad."
tipsy for a few hours. The omnipotence and omniscience
Then came "the night of the big cop out." Synanon
of the earlier period had vanished, but he felt more sure of
picked up the center of its unifying dynamic overnight.
himself than he ever had before.
Some of the members had been smoking marijuana and tak-
Anyone who knows Chuck knows that he is a realist who
ing fixes of heroin on the sly. They'd been letting Chuck
has very little belief in magic, chemical or otherwise, and
down, but, more important, they had been letting them-
yet he believes, with what seems good reason, that LSD was
selves down. By almost unanimous consent they agreed to
responsible for the personal clarity and drive from which
tell the truth to Chuck and the members who had stayed
Synanon emerged. He now thinks that LSD is not safe for
clean. One after the other, nearly twenty members got up
alcoholics and addicts. The three alcoholics who took the
and contritely admitted their guilt. Chuck may have been
drug with him have all gone to pot. Every member of Syna-
touched by this, but it didn't make him any less tough.
non who has taken LSD has returned to drugs, or become
When he asked them where they got the drugs and they re-
impossible to deal with. In his case, however, LSD does
fused to tell, reverting to the code of the streets, he told
seem to have released a man to meet his destiny.
them that so long as they used that code, they were "slobs
He rented an apartment in Ocean Park, and soon it be-
and puking little punks" who deserved the end they'd meet
came a haven for alcoholics who wanted to discuss their
in some alley or jail. The sources of supply were then re-
own and the world's problems. Soon he was sleeping on
vealed and forwarded to narcotic officers, who apparently
the davenport, and ex-drunks with no place to go were
didn't take the information seriously. After that, trusted
sleeping on his bed and on the floor. Although Chuck's
and forceful members of the club policed the neighbor-
education was Jesuit, the stress on religion in A.A. bothered
hood. What was important was that the new code of hon-
Reproduced at the Richard Nixon Presidential Library and Museum
FEBRUARY 8, 1961
3
esty was born that night, and a new sense of responsibility.
problem as he feels it, or as another senses it. If it is felt
"Dope fiends take dope," Chuck says bluntly. "As long
that a person is withholding material about himself, he may
as they are dope fiends, they are no damned good; they are
undergo a virtual inquisition. Anything anyone does that
slobs and thieves with the temperaments of nasty little
might lead him back to drugs is attacked incisively. Some-
children. When they stop using dope, they're something
times, it will sound as if a fight is going to break out, but it
else again. They need self-respect and then general respect
never does. Physical violence is a number one cause for ban-
more than they do sympathy. Pity will send them running
ishment from Synanon. Hearing the violence of the argu-
for a fix; too much laxness with them in the early stages
ments at the synanons, and then seeing happy and relaxed
makes them take their problems in adjustment too lightly.
people gather afterwards for refreshments, is a shock, until
I may seem rough on them at times, but I have to be their
you understand that each has reached some sort of catharsis,
guts, until they develop guts for themselves. The most
or release.
severe punishment I can offer is banishment and for guys
Reid Kimball, who has been off drugs for 20 months after
who have spent most of their time wanting to get out of
twenty years of addiction, gave me an example of his experi-
jail, that really startles them. They really get the idea of
ence of part of the maturing process that developed through
the open door then, and what responsibility means."
synanons. He has always been a short-tempered, impetuous,
Chuck admits that, in the early days, dozens of addicts
easily riled man who could be very tough on such occasions.
who might make good in the Synanon of today were lost
In short, he was the type of person who could truthfully say,
because of a lack of know-how. He compares the process
"I've never taken anything off anyone." He'd made an ar-
of improvement to a collander in which the holes of escape
rangement for another man to sweep under his bed and
are becoming smaller every year. "Even though some of our
hadn't noticed that this chore had been neglected. There
most successful members have records as tough as you
was an inspection of his section of the dormitory, and when
could find," Chuck says, "it may be that they were ready
the inspector saw the dirt, he turned Reid's bed over, and
to get well if given a half chance. So far as making a record
bawled him out. Reid saw red. In swift succession he shift-
is concerned, it is possible that they are giving us a break
ed the blame to the inspector, the guy who had neglected to
in our early days by making such fantastic recoveries. We
sweep, some members who were laughing, and finally to the
can handle more resistive addicts now. Who knows what
whole of Synanon. In his past, the answer to this situation
we will be able to do in five years?"
would have been to commit mayhem on as many people as
In the little store-front building, Synanon was chartered
he could lay hands on, and then go out and take a big shot
as a California corporation. Then, after leasing the old
of dope. As he sat on his up-turned bed to muster his forces,
Armory-a former beach club, really-the problem of rais-
the anger suddenly became ridiculous. The whole ludicrous
ing funds became acute, and without any formal books, and
process of his thinking came into focus. He saw that it
nothing but sheer drive and faith, Chuck succeeded in get-
didn't even matter that he protest his genuine innocence
ting the Synanon Foundation accepted by the Federal Gov-
about the dirt. For the first time in his life, he was able to
ernment as a non-profit organization, with a tax exemption
shrug off an assault on his ego, and put his vanity and pride
for donors. All this was done in two years, and mainly by
in their rightful places. He had a feeling of security with-
one man who had to be the equivalent of a father to nearly
out knowing why. A little incident, but a moment that
seventy emotionally immature adults that society had de-
dramatized a major change in a man's life. He really "dug"
spaired of, and wanted to keep in prison.
Synanon from that moment on and is now a member of the
Now, a little over two years from an uncertain beginning,
Board of Directors.
Synanon House is a home in which gracious living is pro-
Chuck seems to have known intuitively that a man's sub-
vided for fifty or some people. At least 75 per cent of the
jective world is only as deep as his objective world is wide.
cash expenses are met by the wholly voluntary contributions
The noon seminars at Synanon House, dealing as they do
of Synanon members who hold jobs outside. As an exam-
with concepts taken from science and the humanities, give
ple, one of the men who contributes most of his pay check
the members an ever-widening scope and encourage read-
plans to make Synanon his home for life. At 35, with twelve
ing. As their world and interests expand, the members are
years of prison behind him, he is holding down the first job
better able to find words with which to express their feel-
he has ever had. His employers, who have hired two other
ings; they gain self-confidence, and their reasoning ability
Synanon members, know all about him. This week, he took
improves. Professional people who observe the seminars
on the added assignment of carrying the firm's funds to the
are tremendously impressed with the range and seriousness
bank-thousands of dollars each day. This is a man who
of the discussions.
was once convicted of armed robbery to get money for dope.
Synanon owes much, of course, to the family life that it
In all his years in prisons, State and Federal, no attempt was
has created at Synanon House. Each one contributes ac-
made to rehabilitate him. Once he saw a psychiatrist for a
cording to his or her ability; some cook, sew, or iron and
half hour.
keep house; others hustle for and pick up the food contrib-
The key to the success of Synanon is the synanons, as the
uted by friendly local merchants. All this makes for a busy
self-help therapy meetings are called. These are held three
family. Everyone is expected to express himself fully-
times a week, and the members rotate SO that no group is
within the realm of good taste-at synanons, and even good
ever the same. Chuck Dederich insists that people release
taste can be dropped if need be. Without spying, a concern
their "gut level" feelings-the ones with strong emotional
is shown that enables the coordinators to know if anything
content. The group discussions, or "war parties," as they
is wrong with anyone.
should sometimes be called, may deal with an individual's
Laughter can be heard in the house during most of the
Reproduced at the Richard Nixon Presidential Library and Museum
4
MANAS
waking hours, and almost always there are groups in serious
made him doubt his powers as well as his reason. Here are
discussion. Usually there are visitors about, some of whom
a few:
enjoy using Synanon House as a hang-out. Following the
State parole officers have called on Synanon members for
injunction, "Display before you are investigated," Synanon
help in their group-therapy meetings with parolees, yet both
lets officials and professional people stroll where they will,
parolees and parole officers are forbidden to enter Synanon
and talk to whomever they wish. With the exception of
House, even for a visit.
three people who had warrants out for them before they
The state hospital inspector says that Synanon isn't oper-
entered Synanon, there has never been an arrest made at
ating a hospital, and refuses to inspect it. Yet, Synanon was
the House. In fact, they have had to call the police about
convicted in the lower courts of operating a hospital ille-
their neighbors. Fifty abstaining drug fiends live a life that
gally, then given a stay of execution so that it could continue
could be envied by their neighbors. Twenty of them go out
to break the law! (The conviction has been appealed to the
to work in the morning and return in the evening, just as
United States Supreme Court.)
other people do. Eighteen Negroes are members of the
family, as well as three or four from other minority groups,
Businessmen of Santa Monica contribute $5,000 each
and there is no friction. Here is a small, intense culture that
month in goods and services to Synanon and Dr. B. Cassel-
should exist at peace within the larger culture, and perhaps
man risks his practice to act as the family doctor, yet the
teach it something.
officials who represent this community have condemned and
A young minister of one of the leading churches in Santa
prosecuted Synanon without even conducting a thorough
Monica decided that the Synanon method would be helpful
investigation of what it is doing.
to a group of young married couples. They came to Syna-
The list of paradoxes could be expanded on and on. For
non House to learn the technique and are now meeting in
example, the California Adult Authority ordered seven
their own homes with Synanon members-ex-addicts and
parolees out of Synanon when they were doing well and
ex-convicts-attending. Here is an exchange where normal
passing their weekly Nalline test (a medical method of de-
citizens and formerly anti-social people learn the truth
termining whether a person is using heroin). Without the
about each other. Synanon members have also gone out and
support of Synanon, five of the seven have since returned
spoken at over fifty service clubs and churches, and are in
to jail. Not long before this happened, Dr. Donald R.
constant demand. In this way, a positive contribution is
Cressy, Dean of Anthropology and Sociology at UCLA, and
being made to the city of Santa Monica. In addition the
a noted criminologist, told a meeting of parole officers that
seventy members who are staying off the drugs through
Synanon "is the most significant experiment into the nar-
Synanon represent $3,500 worth of crime that is being pre-
cotic problem that is being made today." But Santa Monica's
vented each day, for that is what dope would cost them if
leading paper, the Outlook, boasts that it won't be content
they were using. They could get it only by crime. In prison,
until it has run Synanon out of town.
they would collectively cost the tax-payer around $500 per
The fear that seventy former addicts who are no longer
day for room, board and wardens. Synanon seems to point
taking drugs has created among officialdom, and in a size-
to a humanistic solution to a large part of our dope problem
able segment of society, is awesome. When confronted,
-something our society should welcome, when dope is in
none of Synanon's enemies can give a clear explanation for
the headlines every other day.
their fear. Significantly, none of them bother to investigate
In a time when there are supposed to be professionally
the object of their hatred. In a sense, the situation is fright-
structured programs for every human situation, even though
ening, since it seems to partake of the free-floating anxiety
they exist for token groups only, and when there isn't
that some neurotic people try to release by converting it
enough professional help available to meet the realistic
into frenzy and aiming it at any object toward which they
needs of society, non-professional groups are suspect, and
can whip up hatred. Possibly, a part of our society is so
often outlawed, unless they at least profess to rely on God
sick that it can't stand seeing people organize to get well,
to an extraordinary degree. Synanon, of course, falls into
especially when they do it their own way.
the category of suspect organizations. As Chuck Dederich
WALKER WINSLOW
says, "We follow the policy of no policy-none of the other
Santa Monica, Calif.
methods of getting dope fiends off drugs have worked, so
why should we imitate them? We have the largest number
SUBSCRIPTION RATES
of abstaining dope fiends in the world-people who are
1 Year $5
2 Years $8
3 Years $12
living behind open doors, and even moving out into their
Readers are invited to send in the names of friends who might be inter-
own apartments. We aren't doing as well as we will in the
ested in subscribing to MANAS. Free sample issues will be mailed on
request.
future, but we are doing something that all who wish to
(Bound copies of Volumes 1 13 now available)
investigate can see,
In the days of his LSD euphoria, Chuck thought he could
MANAS PUBLISHING COMPANY
resolve every paradox, but some that have arisen lately have
P.O. Box 32112, El Sereno Station, Los Angeles 32, Calif.
Reproduced at the Richard Nixon Presidential Library and Museum
MANAS
FEBRUARY 8, 1961
MANAS
Issued weekly by the
MANAS PUBLISHING COMPANY
P.O. Box 32112, El Sereno Station
LOS ANGELES 32, CALIFORNIA
$5 a Year
15 cents a Copy
"A SMALL, INTENSE CULTURE"
IN this week's lead article, Walker Winslow calls Synanon
"a small, intense culture that should exist at peace within
the larger culture, and perhaps teach it something."
There are probably those who would resist the implica-
tion that they have something to learn from a group of ex-
drug addicts. The Synanon people, they would say, are get-
ting attention because they were victims of their own weak-
ness. It is fine that they are getting over the habit, but what
can they tell us except how happy they are to have a chance
to resume normal life?
There is no doubt some truth in this view. But there is
also some truth-perhaps more-in other views of Syna-
non. It is almost certain, for example, that a lot of the peo-
ple who don't take drugs are prevented from doing so, not
by any personal virtue, but by an unwillingness to risk their
respectability. They are simply afraid. There are, in short,
a lot of bad or second-rate reasons for not doing bad things.
These bad reasons may have some sort of "social utility,"
but when the cohesiveness of a society is supplied mostly by
bad reasons, then even the idea of respectability begins to
lose what little utility it once had. And then things like
juvenile delinquency and drug addiction begin to break out
all over, as symptoms of the sick society.
The ex-addict at Synanon, whatever reason he had for
going on drugs, now has a good reason for going off them.
And he is working at that good reason for all he is worth.
He stands, therefore, in direct contrast to the hypothetical
"respectable" people who have only indifferent reasons for
everything they do.
There is the further possibility that the sick society has
something important to learn from those who were its sick-
est members, but who are now getting well. You could say
that the addicts chose a dream world to replace the actual
world they had no stake in and didn't care about at all.
They found that the dream world was worse, and have
come back among us, but they have no illusions about our
world, either. They may have a distinct advantage in this.
We don't know whether these men and women will, as
private persons, make a "mark" in our world, now that they
are getting well. They may use up all their energy defeat-
ing their own private devils. But in the process they have
made a living model of the conditions under which human
beings can of their own will stop taking dope.
People who wonder about Synanon and why and how it
works are always welcome as visitors. Synanon has open
house on Saturday nights, with a synanon discussion in
which all are invited to participate.
Reproduced at the Richard Nixon Presidential Library and Museum
6
MANAS
FRONTIERS
RELIGION
SCIENCE
EDUCATION
Ex-Addicts, Incorporated
template. Even if it contributes to further addiction, it is
awe-inspiring. But when by a moral alchemy this force is
A STRANGER wandering into the old but comfortable armory
turned against drug addiction, it is little wonder that some-
building at 1351 Ocean Front in Santa Monica, California,
thing like a miracle takes place. In reversing the destructive
would, upon seeing the young people who live there, be
aim that bound the addicts together, Synanon has released a
almost certain to think that he had come upon some sort of
mighty force-the force of redemption from within.
a students' union, an experiment in communal living, or an
above-average social club. He would be impressed with
The first thing that comes to mind, of course, is that
the health of the men and women, whose average age would
Synanon is like Alcoholics Anonymous. In a loose sort of
be around thirty, as well as by the aura of intelligent and re-
way this is true, but alcohol is a chemical that can be legally
laxed dedication that seems to set the mood for the place.
obtained, and while society as a whole may deplore exces-
The worn cliché, "like one big family," would find accurate
sive drinking, it approves of moderate drinking and even
application here and the stranger would soon observe that
finds some solace in the fact that most people can take
these people are dependent upon each other and proud of
it or leave it alone. True, the alcoholic may drink himself
each other in a way that exceeds even family relationships.
into jail, the asylum, or down to skidrow, but his place in
When the stranger was told that the residence club he
the larger society is waiting for him when he returns to
had wandered into is Synanon Foundation, Inc., "a non-
sobriety. He is likely to get an encouraging pat on the back
profit organization for the rehabilitation of narcotics ad-
for mending his ways. Because there is less estrangement
dicts," he would undoubtedly be shocked, dismayed, and a
between the society of the alcoholic and the society of the
little hurt to find that the prejudices he couldn't avoid ab-
sober, organizations of alcoholics are apt to borrow some
sorbing from our society had been assaulted by a reality he
of the worst features of the society from which they have
wasn't prepared for. No one in the room would fit the
been temporarily alienated. Religion plays a large role in
popular image of the depraved, emaciated and slinking
their redemption and an amorphous theology is developed.
"drug fiend" that has been drummed into us by every
The more God is relied upon, the less interpersonal ex-
medium of communication. Nor could he feel that here
change there is among the co-sufferers. In short, scripture
was a building full of doomed people, as we have been led
becomes more important than acts. The act of attaining
to believe all addicts are. It could only seem that something
sobriety becomes ritualized.
like a miracle had taken place.
In none of the available literature on Synanon is there
As one talks to the ex-drug addicts, learns the history of
the stress on the reliance on a "Higher Power" that is found
Synanon, and studies the principles that make it work, it
in Alcoholics Anonymous. Rather, the stress is on the indi-
becomes obvious that the "miracle" is latent in all people
vidual and his desire to help and be helped-to give love
who have shared a blight that has led them to the edge of
and be loved. The aim is recovery from addiction, not a
doom. The answer, for those whose vice, disease, or be-
spiritual experience as such. If the latter should come to
liefs have caused them to be rejected and marked as
the individual, well and good-that is a personal matter
pariahs by our society, is to form a society of their own. As
and to be shared only in the way one shares unusual experi-
pariahs they are, of course, already grouped. Unwanted
ences with friends. Synanon, so far as we could see, doesn't
elsewhere, they have to be wanted by themselves-to seek
circumscribe its methods. At daily seminars, psychology,
out associations where acceptance is possible and rejection
philosophy, religion and science get an equal billing and
can only come from betraying those standards even the
each is valued for the contribution it may make toward solv-
smallest and most unpopular group must set for itself.
ing the problems of the addict. Charles E. Dederich and
In pariah groups, criminal and otherwise, loyalties have
Adaline Ainley, the founders, seem to be people who can
to be tighter, interdependence firmer. This is especially
take the sick and rejected and bring them together in such
true of the drug addicts. Excluded from the larger society,
a way as to create what Dr. Karl Menninger calls, "the
made into felons, and rightfully suspicious of even society's
atmosphere of people getting well," and this with the most
best intentions toward them, they have developed their own
hopeless people on earth.
language and mores and they know from brutal experience
Here, roughly, is how Synanon works. A desperate ad-
that understanding and compassion can be expected only
dict who feels he has really had it and wants to kick the
from their own kind. To understand the completeness of
habit gets in touch with Synanon. He is told he can come
their outcast state one has to realize that even to help each
for an interview only if he is totally out from under the
other when they are in the throes of addiction they have to
influence of drugs, no matter how sick that may make him,
commit a felony-obtain and dispense an illegal drug. Thus
and an hour and date is set. Thus the addict has had to make
the price of compassion can be years in prison. This is loyal-
a positive effort before even an interview takes place. At
ty and fellowship at an extreme that few of us care to con-
the interview, his sincerity about quitting drugs is evaluated.
Reproduced at the Richard Nixon Presidential Library and Museum
SEPTEMBER 14, 1960
7
Then, if he is accepted for the Synanon house, he is prom-
of addiction behind them, their habit having been estab-
ised room, board, and fellowship for as long as he abstains
lished before they had time to experience the normal adjust-
from drugs and needs help.
ment to society made by most young adults. At twenty-five
Synanon is no hospital and uses no medical aids to with-
or thirty, or perhaps older, with nothing but criminal and
drawal from drugs. What it does offer is "tender loving
anti-social experience as adults, they are now trying to enter
care" during the period of withdrawal. Every minute,
into the everyday life of a society that has excluded them.
night and day, a Synanon member, an ex-addict, will be be-
To succeed at all they have to demonstrate both superiority
side the suffering addict, feeding him, massaging his ach-
and humbleness. These qualities Synanon tries to help
ing body, wiping sweat from his face and giving encour-
them acquire. Already, two years after the inception of
agement. The man who once would have gone out and got
Synanon, a few have made the adjustment. They are the
drugs for a fellow sufferer now does everything in his
people who hold the fate of the group in their hands, and so
power to discourage him from wanting to return to drugs.
far they have held it well.
During this period of suffering the addict forms close ties
As a non-profit organization, Synanon can solicit funds
of a new order with a friend who has been through the same
for which donors can claim a tax deduction, but as yet it has
ordeal. Often, as a result, his first impulse upon recovery
taken in only enough money to barely pay for the lights and
from withdrawal pains is to help another who was suffer-
rent. Members go out and get what food they can-wilted
ing as he did. The desire to give in the best of ways has
vegetables, day-old milk and bread, meat that has been in
been released.
storage a little too long, and whatever merchants will con-
The addict, even after withdrawal, continues in what is
tribute. There was actually a time when they had pheasant
called the first stage. The tender loving care and friendly
for dinner but no cigarettes, lacking the money to buy them.
concern go on while he is developing closer relationships
It is significant that the people who help them, although
with the Synanon member to whom he feels especially
suspicious at first, become their friends and induce others
drawn. As soon as he is well he will be contributing his bit
to help them. Although a city official of Santa Monica has
to the work in the house, washing dishes, cleaning, cook-
had a part in legal proceedings that could close the Synanon
ing, or what have you. When he goes out for a walk he will
house, he has helped Synanon in practical ways through his
be accompanied by members who have been off drugs for a
business, in exchange for work done for him.
longer time than he has. Usually two will be with him, on
From the beginning, which was at another location fur-
the theory that there is safety in numbers. It is taken for
ther down the beach, Synanon has met with some resistance.
granted that weeks and even months must pass before the
People didn't want drug addicts for neighbors and may also
addict is safe from moments when on an impulse he may
have resented the fact that Synanon recognizes no racial
seek drugs. However, if he feels, after giving Synanon a
barriers. This led, somewhat deviously, to a formal com-
test, that he must return to drugs, he is provided with car-
plaint that at the present address Synanon is illegally oper-
fare and sadly released from his pact with the Synanon
ating a hospital. The issue has been in the courts for nearly
house. In that event, he is given to understand that he can't
a year and although one adverse decision was rendered by
come back scratching on the door when he feels contrite,
the court, a stay of execution was granted and it seems likely
but that months must pass before he will even be con-
that the case will be carried to the U.S. Supreme Court.
sidered again. Should he somehow sneak drugs into the
Four attorneys have come to the assistance of the group
house or return under their influence, he will be expelled.
and, up to now, the resistance Synanon has met with has
A former addict can be said to have reached the second
only made it stronger. One event worth noting is that the
stage when he has helped others, made them feel the
man who signed the original complaint, a motion picture
strength of his example and counsel, and established a de-
personage, has come to Synanon and admitted that he made
gree of self-reliance and confidence for himself. At this
a mistake. In the year he has had this group of ex-addicts
point he may go out alone and seek a job or enroll in col-
for neighbors, he has come to respect and admire what
lege, as many have done. Even though he works outside
they are accomplishing, and in a recent nation-wide tele-
he will continue to live in the Synanon house and give to
vision broadcast told the world about his new feeling. The
the organization what he can from his earnings. As Syn-
former enemy is now Synanon's outspoken champion.
anon's representative in the community, he has a great re-
Up until August 18, former addicts who were on parole
sponsibility, that of breaking down the prejudice that ex-
were allowed to live in the Synanon house. There were
ists toward even a former addict. This chore isn't made
seven of these in the house on that date, when they were
easier by the fact that almost every addict is an ex-convict
ordered to move out by their parole officers, who had got-
who has been found guilty of some crime caused by his ad-
ten orders from above. A strong protest is being made
diction. His efforts do have support, however, for his fel-
against this action. Out on their own, and without the close
lows at Synanon will be massively proud of his slightest
support of fellow Synanon members, there is a much great-
accomplishment.
er chance that these people will return to drugs. With all
In the third Synanon stage the former addict has recov-
the power it can muster, Synanon will oppose this ruling,
ered and developed himself to the point where he is ready
and will probably gain strength from the effort, as it has
to move out into the community completely, returning to
from dealing with similar adverse happenings.
the house only for meetings and to work with newcomers
The little group of fifty-four people, fourteen women and
and visit friends. The return to the community is perhaps
forty men, who are living in the old armory in Santa Monica,
the most difficult stage of all. Young as many of the Syn-
have every right to feel that they may have come up with
anon members are, most of them have from five to ten years
the most workable solution to the problem of drug addic-
Reproduced at the Richard Nixon Presidential Library and Museum
tion that has so far appeared. Because of this they are dedi-
lion will be in their favor as they continue to develop Syn-
cated to making their plan work, not only for their own sal-
anon. They won't look for easy answers, nor will they be
vation but for the salvation of every addict who may in
shocked when they meet with further resistance. It will be
whatever future wish to avail himself of their plan. Drug
interesting to report on Synanon a year from now. It seems
addiction undoubtedly occurs most often among people
doubtful that even the law can keep them from curing them-
who are revolting against things as they are. They would
selves, and that at the moment is just what the law is trying
be the last to deny that drug-taking is an ill-advised form of
to do.
revolt, but even this admission isn't going to make them
WALKER WINSLOW
into conformists. Perhaps their very impulse toward rebel-
Los Angeles, California
SYNANON PHILOSOPHY
The Synanon Philosophy is based on the belief that there
No one can force a person toward permanent and creative
comes a time in everyone's life when he arrives at the con-
learning. He will learn only if he wills to. Any other type of
viction that envy is ignorance; that imitation is suicide; that
learning is temporary and inconsistent with the self and will
he must accept himself for better or for worse as is his por-
disappear as soon as the threat is removed. Learning is pos-
tion; that tho' the wide universe is full of good, no kernel of
sible in an environment that provides information, the set-
nourishing corn can come to him but through his toil be-
ting, materials, resources, and by his being there. God helps
stowed on that plot of ground which is given to him to till.
those who help themselves.
The power which resides in him is new in nature, and none
but he knows what it is that he can do, nor does he know un-
Please let me first and always examine myself.
til he has tried. Bravely let him speak the utmost syllable of
his conviction. God will not have his work made manifest
Let me be honest and truthful.
by cowards.
Let me seek and assume responsibility.
A man is relieved and gay when he has put his heart into
his work and done his best; but what he has said or done
Let me understand rather than be understood.
otherwise shall give him no peace. As long as he willingly
accepts himself, he will continue to grow and develop his po-
Let me trust and have faith in myself and my fellow man.
tentialities. As long as he does not accept himself, much of
Let me love rather than be loved.
his energies will be used to defend rather than to explore
and actualize himself.
Let me give rather than receive.
SYNANON FOUNDATION, INC.
"A non-profit organization for the rehabilitation of ex-narcotic addicts"
1351 Ocean Front, Santa Monica, California, EX 4-1269, EX 4-9768
Adaline Ainley, Secretary
Vincent Cavanagh
Charles E. Dederich, Chairman
Charles Hamer
Reid Kimball
David Fagel
"
Their understanding begins to swell, and the approaching tide will shortly fill the reasonable shores that now lie
foul and muddy."
-WILLIAM SHAKESPEARE
Reproduced at the Richard Nixon Presidential Library and Museum
June 30, 1961
bcc: Mr. Lamb
Dear Mr. Thompson:
Thompson, Stephen
I want to thank you for your recent letter
in which you raise the question of my alleged endorse-
ment of the Synanon center for narcotics addicts. Let
me say at once that I have never "endorsed" this private
hospital nor given it my support in any way. Such reports
are simply wrong.
Shortly after my return to California, earlier
this year, I did in fact receive such a request. To it I
responded that, lacking any but the most general informa-
tion about Synanon -- drawn mostly, by the way, from
reports in national newsmagazines -- I could certainly do
no more than applaud its announced goals, and then look
further into its work, its place in the community of Santa
copy X x I
Monica, and the pending legislation on its permanent status.
Now, as you know, this legislation has been passed -- per-
mitting the center to continue at its present location despite
local ordinances to the contrary.
File Synanon Center
I can certainly understand why those of you
who live and own property in Santa Monica would be greatly
concerned about this whole matter. If you sincerely feel
you have substantial evidence that might bear on the court
action now underway, or even on legislative reconsideration
of the special act recently passed, I urge you to bring it to
the attention of the appropriate officials. This, it seems
to me, is the only fair way to proceed.
With every good wish,
Sincerely,
CML:bp
RN
Mr. Stephen Thompson
348 Eleventh Street
Santa Monica, California
jos
Reproduced at the Richard Nixon Presidential Library and Museum
STEPHEN THOMPSON
INTERIOR DESIGNER
June 15 1961
Dear Mr. Nixon;
The Synanon group
of Santa Monica, Reid Kimball, publi-
city man, claim that you have indor-
sed their group.
1 am anxious to knpw t he truth as the
decent citizens of Santa Monica are
fighting desparately against it.
Sincerely, Though
348 Eleventh Street
Santa Monica
Reproduced at the Richard Nixon Presidential Library and Museum
June 30, 1961
Dear Miss Brandenburg:
I want to thank you for your recent letter
bcc: Lamb
in which you raise the question of my alleged endorse-
ment of the Synanon center for narcotics addicts. Let
me say at once that I have never "endorsed" this private
hospital nor given it my support in any way. Such reports
are simply wrong.
Brandenburg, Kathryn (Miss)
Shortly after my return to California, earlier
this year, 1 did in fact receive such a request. To it I
responded that, lacking any but the most general informa-
tion about Synanon -- drawn mostly, by the way, from
reports in national newsmagazines -- I could certainly
do no more than applaud its announced goals, and then
look further into its work, its place in the community of
Santa Monica, and the pending legislation on its perman-
ent status. Now, as you know, this legislation has been
passed -- permitting the center to continue at itspresent
copy X X
location despite local ordinances to the contrary.
Synanon House
I can certainly understand why those of you
who live and own property in Santa Monica would be
greatly concerned about this whole matter. If you sincer-
ely feel you have substantial evidence that might bear on
the court action now underway, or even on legislative
reconsideration of the special act recently passed, I urge
you to bring it to the attention of the appropriate officials.
This, it seems to me, is the only fair way to proceed.
With every good wish,
Sincerely,
W
CML:bp
Miss Kathryn Brandenburg
944 Fifth Street
Santa Monica, California
tss
Reproduced at the Richard Nixon Presidential Library and Museum
Kathryn Brandenburg
944 Fifth Street, Santa Monica, California
Junes, 1961
which Dear Enk mr. lose Nixon, d is an article
claims paper the Synaron group
appeare d in on local
Sams your endorsement
little Monica is
consernative aguist
airgivanted do Aptrusion
andis horrified artisthes Cown
d have msite d this location
where Sypron an is honsed
its unbileivably pruful
Reproduced Sincerely
at the Richard Nixon Presidential Library Museum Branderhimp
to
SM Moves
the Capitol.
J
Humphrey
N
An appeal was made by Sen.
Hubert H. Humphrey, D-Minn., to
n
Against
direct foreign aid only to nations
d
which will undertake meaningful
b
political and economic reform.
c
Synanon
Humphrey, assistant Senate
Democratic leader, said that both
Congress and the American peo-
Councilmen Lift
pe "are sick and tired of foreign
aid going to governments that are
Neutral Policy
unresponsive to human need, un-
willing to bring about social re-
form."
In an eleventh-hour ac-
In his statement prepared for
tion, the Santa Monica City
delivery in the Senate, Humphrey
Council Tuesday night came
served notice "I shall not support
out in opposition to Synanon
any aid program to any develop-
ing nation which will have the ef-
and AB 2626, the so-called
fect of perpetuating corrupt, re-
"save Synanon" bill.
actionary, greedy and oppressive
The bill has been approved by
the Assembly and Senate Judici-
governments." Sen. Albert Gore, D-Tenn., al-
ary Committee. It is expected to
ready has questioned the advisa-
come up on the Senate floor to-
bility of continued assistance to
day, and approval is anticipated.
South Korea, where a military
Denounced
junta has taken over. Others on
The council dropped its hands-
the committee have raised critical
off policy after a large group of
questions on the advisability of
doctors and other citizens vigor-
helping other nations where mili-
ously denounced the beachfront
tary aid might serve to perpetu-
narcotics rehabilitation center
ate undemocratic regimes.
and AB 2626. The opponents also
charged that the campaign to
save Synanon is coming from a
building in Hollywood "closely
Berlin Proposai
identified with Communists and
Communist-front activities."
Continued From Page 1
Synanon leaders replied that
extends from a beginning of firm-
the charges are "ridiculous" and
ness "to a final pledge of the
"slanderous." Reid Kimball, Syn-
lives and fortunes of every man,
anon's publicity man, said the op-
woman and child in the nation."
ponents are "modern day witch
"We are not engaged at Berlin
hunters."
with the fast draw and wax bul-
'Not An Asset'
lets of television any more than
A stern stand against Synanon
the Russians are engaged in a
was urged by Councilman Martin
harmless game of chess," Mans-
Goodfriend. He recalled that a
field said. "In the last analysis
special citizens committee report-
we are engaged now, as we have
ed Dec. 9 that Synanon, 1351
been in Berlin, with the whole
Ocean Front, "is not an asset to
future of the United States."
the City of Santa Monica" and
Mansfield made clear that i
"there is evidence it attracts an
advancing his suggestion, which
undue number of addicts to San-
close to a position he has bee
ta Monica."
advocating for years, he wa
Goodfriend reported the com-
speaking as an individual senato
Free City
mittee said such an organization,
He said that in addition to th
while it may be doing some
Western proposal for a free We
good, "should never be permit-
Berlin and the Western insistend
ted in a residential area."
on a status quo, "a third wa
He added, "I have visited Syn-
may lie in the creation of a fre
anon and was astonished to see
city not in West Berlin alone, bu
the kind of facilities there. I was
in the creation of a free city which
Turn To Page 3
Column
2
embraces all Berlin-the Commu-
nist East no less than the free
Western segment of that metropo-
1g.
passed, it might De
is
lis."
out of town.)
Unless both sides change their
in-
Dr. Ireland said it is "regreta-
positions
za-
ble that the City Council has al-
rly
lowed the bill to be passed with-
a
out opposition."
nd
He objected to Synanon because
"addicts are free to come and go"
SI
aid
without adequate police and med-
"is
ical supervision. He also object-
A
ery
ed to the "unrestricted sexual ac-
ica's
of
tivity" at the controversial self-
budg
help center for people with nar-
June
vas
cotics problems.
The
"I
The Communist-front links
also
id,
were brought up by James Lamb,
study
the
2200 La Mesa Drive, Santa Mon-
and
bers
ber
10
SM City at the Rich
ard Nixon Presidential Library and Museum
ir-
open
discu
Synanon Bill Opposed
Synanon, Robert W. Kenny, has
American Activities as an officer
has
harmed property values
1
ers, "including Richard Nixon.'
a long list of associations with
in the Emergency Civl Liberties
along the beachfront.
Communist fronts."
Kinball said the charges were
Lies Charged
Committee, a Communist-front
Continued From Page 1
ica, who declared that "every de-
(Kenny, who has represented
organization.)
made by people "who have never
Kimball said every charge
cent citizen who knows the facts
many witnesses alt hearings be-
There were, all told, about 20 or
botlered to investigate the object
made against Synanon is "abso-
amazed to see how many people
about Synanon is opposed to it."
fore the House Committee on Un-
30 Synanon opponents at the hear-
of heir hatred."
lutely false, slanderous, libelous
were living under one roof."
He said that the "Citizens Com-
American Activities, was identi-
ing. Several others spoke, saying
le claimed that Synanon has
and a lie." He challenged the Syn-
In approving the motion to op-
mittee to Save Synanon," the
fied Monday by the State Senate
Synanon is a bad influence on
ben endorsed by many doctors,
anon foes to debate the issue in
the
pose Synanon, the council direct-
publisher of "Synanews," op-
Fact-Finding Committee on Un-
youngsters visiting the beach and
edcators and government lead-
an where." open public meeting "any-
in
ed that copies of its action be sent
erates out of 7425 Franklin Ave.,
to members of the legislature,
Hollywood. Also operating out of
ched
members of the League of Cali-
this building, Lamb said, are the
Mon-
"World Committee on Peaceful
tornia Cities, congressmen and
Gov. Edmund G. Brown.
Cooperation" and the "University
Ham-
Dr. E. L. Ireland, the first
of Unified Knowledge."
City
speaker to oppose Synanon Tues-
Citing a "Report on Synanon
find
day night, said that if AB 2626
by the Santa Monica Research
rop-
is passed, it would nullify the
Group," Lamb declared that the
to
"world committee" and the "uni-
city's zoning control over Syn-
versity" use the same telephone
anon.
ng
(Synanon has been convicted
number, and "many of the indi-
nd
of violating the city zoning ordi-
viduals involved are closely as-
1C-
nance and a state law that af-
sociated with both organizations
and each other in other activities
fects hospitals. Synanon can ap-
he
pear before Santa Monica Mu-
closely identified with Communists
to
nicipal Judge Hector Baida "for
and Communist-front organiza-
SS
further proceedings" if AB 2626
tions."
is passed. If AB 2626 is not
He added that "the attorney for
no
passed, it might be forced to get
S
out of town.)
Dr. Ireland said it is "regreta-
-
ble that the City Council has al-
y
lowed the bill to be passed with-
a
out opposition."
d
He objected to Synanon because
"addicts are free to come and go"
1
without adequate police and med-
S
ical supervision. He also object-
ed to the "unrestricted sexual ac-
tivity" at the controversial self-
help center for people with nar-
cotics problems.
The Communist-front links
were brought up by James Lamb,
2200 La Mesa Drive, Santa Mon-
Reproduced at the Richard Nixon Presidential Library and Museum
May 18, 1961
Stern, B111
Personal
Dear Bill:
I want to thank you for your letter of May 10
with regard to Synanon House and its threatened "close
down".
Just after getting re-settled here in Los Angeles,
I was contacted by the directors of Synanon House and
thoroughly briefed about its history, record, and aims.
I can assure you that I intend to keep myself informed as
this situation develops and to be of whatever assistance
possible. Of one thing I feel quite sure: and that is
that Synanon House is working, with evident effectiveness,
in a very worthwhile cause.
copy M M #
With kind personal regards,
Synanon House M I
Folder
Sincerely,
dn
Mr. Bill Stern
Lincoln Avenue
Port Chester, New York
CML:wt CML
Reproduced at the Richard Nixon Presidential Library and Museum
June 30, 1961
Dear Mrs. Stigerwald:
I want to thank you for your recent letter in
which you raise the question of my alleged endorse-
ment of the Synanon center for narcotics addicts. Let
me say at once that I have never "endorsed" this pri-
vate hospital nor given it my support in any way. Such
Stigerwald, Mrs. Lewis
reports are simply wrong.
Shortly after my return to California, earlier
this year, I did in fact receive such a request. To it
1 responded that, lacking any but the most general in-
formation about Synanon -- drawn mostly, by the way,
from reports in national newsmagazines -- 1 could
certainly do no more than applaud its announced goals,
and then look further into its work, its place in the
community of Santa Monica, and the pending legislation
on its permanent status. Now, as you know, this legis-
lation has been passed -- permitting the center to con-
X -X X copy
tinue at its present location despite local ordinances to
the contrary.
I can certainly understand why those of you
File - Synanon Center
who live and own property in Santa Monica would be
greatly concerned about this whole matter. If you sin-
cerely feel you have substantial evidence that might
bear on the court action now underway, or even on leg-
islation reconsideration of the special act recently
passed, 1 urge you to bring it to the attention of the
appropriate officials. This, it seems to me, is the only
fair way to proceed.
With every good wish,
Sincerely,
dq:MV TWO
Mrs. Lewis M. Stigerwald
757 Ocean Avenue
Santa Monica, California
Reproduced at the Richard Nixon Presidential Library and Museum
Thursday
Dear mr nipon-
Several of my friends
colled me today to seeig
article - - and urged me to
9 hadread the enclosed
ask you ifthis article is
Correct, and it you are
endorsing the Synahon Gill,
We would truly appreciate
an answer from you, at
your We are earliest interested Conveniture Santa movieous
who are your staunch admirers
Sincerely yours,
(aleaws.) hirs feurs m. Stigerwald
Reproduced at the Richard Nixon Presidential Library and Museum
CHARLES DEDERICH
SYNANON HOUSE
fill WILLIAM crawford
DIRECTOR
COORDINATOR
CHARLES HAMER
WELFARE
OPERATED BY SYNANON FOUNDATION, INC., A
REID kimball
NON-PROFIT CALIFORNIA CORPORATION FOR THE
PUBLIC RELATIONS
VINCENT CAVANAGH
REHABILITATION OF narcotic ADDICTS WITH THE
ATTORNEY
TAX EXEMPT PRIVILEGE FOR DONORS
BETTY COLEMAN
1351 Ocean Front
FINANCE
Santa Monica, California
EXbrook 4-1269 - 4-9768
July 11, 1961
Mr. Richard Nixon
Post Office Box 6539
Los Angeles 55, California
Dear Sir:
I am extremely regretful if you have been subjected to any
embarrassment or annoyance as a result of expressing a few
kindly sentiments regarding our experiment at Synanon House.
I can only assure you Mr. Nixon, that your name was very
respectfully mentioned in context with the names of President
Kennedy, Dr. Karl Menninger, James Roosevelt, Dr. Franz
Alexander of Mount Sinai Hospital, Bill Stern, and others
high in their respective fields of endeavor, who have by word
or deed lent encouragement to our efforts down here.
I am certain that subsequent events will illustrate quite
clearly to you the reasons behind the implied criticism of
your simple well-wishes and tolerant views regarding our
organization.
The invitation to call at Synanon House remains open. We
would be deeply honored to have you visit us.
Very respectfully,
RK: cr
Reid Kimball
"
Enabling Man To Go Right, Disabling Him To Go Wrong"-Lao-Tze
Reproduced at the Richard Nixon Presidential Library and Museum
RICHARD NIXON
POST OFFICE BOX 6539
LOS ANGELES 55, CALIFORNIA
June 30, Synana 1961
Havel
Dear Mrs. Stigerwald:
I want to thank you for your recent letter in
which you raise the question of my alleged endorsement
C
of the Synanon center for narcotics addicts. Let me say
at once that I have never "endorsed" this private hos-
pital nor given it my support in any way. Such reports
are simply wrong.
Shortly after my return to California, earlier
this year, I did in fact receive such a request. To it
I responded that, lacking any but the most general infor-
mation about Synanon - drawn mostly, by the way, from
reports in national news magazines -- I could certainly
I
do no more than applaud its announced goals, and then
look further into its work, its place in the community
of Santa Monica, and the pending legislation on its
permanent status. Now, as you know, this legislation
has been passed -- permitting the center to continue at
its present location despite local ordinances to the
contrary.
I can certainly understand why those of you
who live and own property in Santa Monica would be
greatly concerned about this whole matter. If you
P
sincerely feel you have substantial evidence that might
bear on the court action now underway, or even on legis-
lative reconsideration of the special act recently passed,
I urge you to bring it to the attention of the appropriate
proceed. officials. This, it seems to me, is the only fair way to
With every good wish,
Sincerely,
Y
Mrs. Lewis M. Stigerwald
757 Ocean Avenue
Santa Monica, California
bec: Mr. James N. Lamb
Executive Vice President
Los Angeles Investment Company
Post Office Box 8501 Crenshaw Station, Los Angeles 8, California
Reproduced at the Richard Nixon Presidential Library and Museum
Lus Angeles Junestment Company
GENERAL OFFICES 3450 MOUNT VERNON DRIVE LOS ANGELES 8, CALIFORNIA
AXMINSTER 2-8111
MAILING ADDRESS
P.O. BOX 8501
JAMES N. LAMB
CRENSHAW STATION
EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT
LOS ANGELES 8, CALIFORNIA
6-21-61
Dear Rose,
Enclosed are smill documents
re Synamin which make it quite
loident that your Bors should discovnd
any in plud approval of it or its operation
In the S.m. Evining OutlooR June it, 1961
P. 3, Reid Kim fall publicity disidn of Synanm,
is quoted as saying that Synamow has been
en donsed by many doctors, educators and
government leaders, "including Richard niver."
Krinball made a sundar statement on
XCOP- Tom Duggan's show on Sat June 17.
Best regards
*
Jin
Reproduced at the Richard Nixon Presidential Library and Museum
June 14, 1961
The Honorable Edmund G. Brown
The Governor of California
Sacramento, California
Dear Governor Brown:
The City Council of the City of Santa Monica, at its regular meeting of
June 13, 1961, unanimously adopted a resolution in opposition to A. B.
2626 (Petris) and the operation of the organization known as Synanon in
the City of Santa Monica.
Exhaustive studies have been made by objective and fair minded lay and
professional people of Santa Monica. All of these studies indicate that
the type of operation to be sanctioned by A. B. 2626 and presently illeg-
ally carried on by Synanon is both medically unsound and unacceptable
in a residential area, particularly in a residential area immediately ad-
jacent to State and City beaches with the highest teen-age population of
any recreation area on the West Coast.
It was due to these careful studies that no recommendation has been
forthcoming previously from the City of Santa Monica. The Synanon
leaders, obviously dedicated men, have laid a careful and calculated
publicity campaign to further their interests while the City weighed the
problem.
Now, in the eleventh hour, the City of Santa Monica cannot hope to over-
come Synanon's campaign success in the Legislature. A. B. 2626 seems
destined to pass. The City's only resort is to your gubernatorial powers.
Reproduced at the Richard Nixon Presidential Library and Museum
The Honorable Edmund G. Brown
June 14, 1961
Page 2
The City of Santa Monica, therefore, respectfully requests that you veto
A. B. 2626 when it is submitted to you.
Santa Monica City officials and community leaders are prepared to furn-
ish further information and discuss this matter with you, if necessary.
Very truly yours,
THOMAS M. McCARTHY
Mayor
Reproduced at the Richard Nixon Presidential Library and Museum
CITY OF SANTA MONICA
DATE:
December 9, 1960
TO:
The Honorable City Council
FROM:
Citizens' Committee to Investigate Synanon Foundation, Inc.
SUBJECT:
Report of the Committee to Investigate Synanon
On October 11 of this year, the special committee appointed to
investigate Synanon was reactivated at the request of the City
Council with instructions to study the various aspects (moral,
cultural and social) of the Foundation as they might affect
C
Santa Monica, and make a recommendation at its earliest convenience.
O
This has been a most difficult task for the members of the
Committee. They realize that the narcotic problem is one of
P
the most vicious and complex facing the American people today.
They have great sympathy for the narcotic addict and the
Y
families of those afflicted.
The Committee Members also recognize their own limitations in
knowledge, training and experience to judge the efficacy of any
course of treatment for those attempting to rid themselves of
the narcotic habit. This is a task for the experts in that field.
The Committee acknowledges that some good may be being done by
Synanon. The patients interviewed claim that living at Synanon
has helped them and that while there, they have been off narcotics.
In spite of the fact that some good may be accomplished, it is the
consensus of the Committee that Synanon is not an asset to the City
of Santa Monica. While it is recognized that a community has an
obligation to help those of its members who have serious health or
social problems, there is evidence that Synanon is attracting an
unduly large number of drug addicts to Santa Monica. Over 200 have
passed through its doors. They have come from many parts of the
United States, some of them as far away as New York City and Portland,
Maine. Narcotic addicts are not desirable citizens. Their very
affliction forces them into a life of crime in order to secure the
drugs that are needed to satisfy their cravings.
Since Synanon has been established, some significant things have
been happening. The police records of the City of Santa Monica show
that narcotic arrests in 1959 increased 98% over either 1957 or 1958.
In the first ten months of 1960 the increase has been 173%. (1957-51;
1958 - 55; 1959 - 109; 10 months 1960 - 150) At the same time, the
increase in Los Angeles County as a whole has been only 18%.
Forty-five persons, residents of Synanon, have registered at the Santa
Monica Police Department as Ex-convicts. Twenty others are known to
Reproduced at the Richard Nixon Presidential Library and Museum
- 2 -
have a record of arrests in Santa Monica and other cities. Many
of these have done time in state prisons.
Since Synanon moved to the 1300 block on the Coast Highway, 17
arrests have been made in thatblock alone. These have been for
vagrancy, lewd conduct, drunk, drunk in auto, etc. The Committee
believes this to be an abnormal number of arrests for one block
in our community.
There has been an increase in the number of thefts of doctors' bags
from autos involving narcotics. In 1959 there was 1; so far in 1960
there have been 13. In 1959, 5 drug stores reported burglaries
involving narcotics. So far in 1960 there have been 8.
The Committee considered the attitude of the neighbors. The state-
ment has been made that their opposition had died down. The Committee
C
did not find this to be true. As late as October 25, a petition
signed by 31 neighbors very earnestly protesting the location of the
O
Foundation in their midst was received. Several additional letters
and telephone calls have been received by the Chairman. It is the
P
opinion of the Committee that any residential area would vociferously
protest any such institution in its midst.
Y
The Synanon Foundation has been convicted of violating the zoning
ordinances of the City of Santa Monica and the Health and Safety Code
of the State of California. This case is now on appeal to the
Supreme Court of the United States.
The Committee has carefully studied the records of the recent trial of
Synanon before the Municipal Court. Sworn testimony of witnesses
declared that there were certain practices indulged in as part of
the treatment that we believe offend the moral standards of Santa Monica
and society as a whole.
Therefore, it is the considered opinion of the Committee that Synanon
as now conducted is not an asset to the City of Santa Monica. It should
never be permitted in a residential area. If it is determined by
competent judges that there is merit in the course of treatment being
pursued, its affairs should be administered by qualified professional
people conversant with the particular problem and in accordance with the
laws of the City and State.
Respectfully submitted,
/s/ RUSSELL K. HART
, Chairman
Russell K. Hart
Reverend Cameron P. Hoff
Ralph J. Hromadka
David A. Kidney
Dr. Leonard Montag
RKH/emc
Reproduced at the Richard Nixon Presidential Library and Museum
REPORT ON SYNANON
BY SANTA MONICA RESEARCH GROUP
The CITIZENS' COMMITTEE TO SAVE SYNANON, the WORLD COMMITTEE ON
PEACEFUL COOPERATION, the UNIVERSITY OF UNIFIED KNOWLEDGE, Dr. Mason Rose and
D. M. Morandini all operate out of the same house at 7425 Franklin Avenue,
Los Angeles 46, California. The W C P C and U U K both use the same telephone
number, Hollywood 5-2696. Many of the individuals involved are closely associ-
ated with both organizations and with each other, in other activities closely
identified with Communists and Communist front organizations. The attorney for
Synanon, Robert W. Kenny, has a long list of associations with Communists fronts.
On the mail box at 7425 Franklin Avenue in Hollywood, are the names,
Laura and Mason Rose. A photostat copy of the second issue of Synanews (publish-
ed by Citizens for Synanon) shows that it was mailed from Hollywood, California,
May Calif. 14, 1961, addressed to Dr. Mason Rose, 7425 Franklin Avenue, Los Angeles 46,
In the Los Angeles telephone directory, June 1961, is listed the
WORLD COMMITTEE ON PEACEFUL COOPERATION, 7425 Franklin Avenue, telephone number -
HOllywood 5-2696.
The letterhead of the UNIVERSITY OF UNIFIED KNOWLEDGE lists its General
Offices at 7425 Franklin Avenue, Los Angeles 46 - Telephone: HOllywood 5-2696.
WORLD COMMITTEE ON PEACEFUL COOPERATION
A letter written in 1958 on the letterhead on the WCPC is signed by
D, M. Morandini, Ph.D., Educator, Engineer, Exec. Secretary, WCPC. The
PREPARATION COMMITTEE lists the following: D. Michael Morandini, Executive
Secretary; Charles W. Thurlow, Treasurer; Dr. J. Stuart Innerst, Dr. Donald
As Piatt, and Margaret T. Simkin, members. Among those listed as local Sponsors
are: Robert McLeod Ariss, Curator of Anthropology L.A. County Museum; Helen
M. Beardsley, National Vice-President Women's Intl. League for Peace and Freedom;
J. Stuart Innerst, Chrm, Friends Committee on Legislation; Minister First Friends
Church, Pasadena; Paul B. Johnson, Ph.D., Prof. of Mathematics, Occidental
College; Charles Mackintosh, Mackintosh & Mackintosh, Consulting Engineers, L.A.;
D. M. Morandini, Ph.D., Educator, Engineer, Educational Coordinator The Humanists,
LA; D. A. Piatt, Ph.D., Prof. of Philosophy, U.C.L.A.,; Herbert T.Rosenfeld,
National Vice-President, Amer. Humanist Association.
UNIVERSITY OF UNIFIED KNOWLEDGE
The letterhead of the UUK lists D. M. Morandini, Ph.D., ME, EE, as
Dean of the Graduate School: Mason Rose, Ph.D., Dean of Undergraduate School;
Charles W. Thurlow, Secretary. Among Members listed are Robert M. Ariss, Curator
of Anthropology, Los Angeles County Museum; Donald A. Piatt, Ph.D., Professor of
Philosophy; Leo Selwyn, M.D. The Advisory Board includes Robert M. Ariss,
Anthropologist; Paul Johnson, Ph.D., Professor of Mathematics; Linus Pauling,
Ph.D., Professor of Chemistry, Donald A. Piatt, Ph.D., Professor of Philosophy.
The HUMANIST WORLD DIGEST for February, 1960, Vol. 32 No. 1, Offices:
1011 Heinz Ave. Berkeley, Calif., lists as its Associate Editor: Mason Rose,
and its Science Editor, D. M. Morandini. This issue contains an article by
Mason Rose in which he describes the University of Unified Knowledge (p.9) as
"the result of a fusion of Dr. Morandini's thirty years of research.. and my
twenty years of work. On page 2 is the statement that Dr. Mason Rose is the
Leader of the Los Angeles Chapter (Humanists) and on page 31 is a plea to support
station KPFK FM, in Los Angeles.
The Humanist News of Southern California, Vol. 1 No. 5, December, 1960 -
January, 1961, Published by the Humanist Council of Southern California (Morandini
and Rose) 9533 Brighton Way, Beverly Hills, announces four speakers on Humanism
over Station KPFK-FM on succeeding Sundays as follows: Dr, Donald Piatt, Leo
Bigelman, M.D., Martin Hall, and Herbert T. Rosenfeld.
A list of activities of some of these persons is revealing - no
attempt has been made to document Linus Pauling.
Reproduced at the Richard Nixon Presidential Library and Museum
-2-
DR. DYONIS MICHAEL MORANDINI
Eleventh Report - Senate Investigating Committee on Education 1953 (Dilworth)
Pgs. 48, 91-94, 96-99, 101-110, 120-121, 136.
(1) Teacher at Manual Arts Evening High School 1951.
(2) Appeared before the Committee with his Counsel
David Ziskind
(1) International Juridical Assn. (Legal arm. - CPUSA)
Calif. UAC 1948, p. 48
(2) International Labor Defence. (Legal arm. - CPUSA)
Calif. UAC 1948, p. 48
(3) Prior to his name being released to the public, letters in defense of
Morandini arrived from:
John F. Clewe
(1) Committee to Secure Justice in Rosenberg Case
(2) Citizens Committee to Preserve American Freedoms
Helen M. Beardsley
(1) Southern California Bd. of Directors ACLU
(2) Women's International League for Peace and Freedom
Donald A. Piatt
(1) American Civil Liberties Union -- signer of statement
urging discontinuation of House Committee on Un-American Activities-
press release, March 15, 1961
(2) American Youth for Democracy -- sponsor of "Welsome Home,
Joe" dinner in Los Angeles, December 16, 1945 -- 1948 California
report, page 183
(3) American Youth for Democracy -- signer of statement
condemning revocation of charter of AYD chapter at San Jose State
College -- People's World, July 22, 1947, page 3
(4) Petition to Congress to Eliminate House Committee on
Un-American Activities -- signer -- Washington Post, January 2,
1961, pages 12-13; National Guardian, January 16, 1961, pages 6-7;
and New York Times, February 9, 1961, pages 16-17
(5) The Price, paintings and drawings by Ted Gilien --
endorsed the book -- The Price, 1948
(6) World Committee on Peaceful Cooperation -- member of
administrative staff -- People's World, January 3, 1959, page 12
(7) University of Unified Knowledge -- Advisory Board --
letterhead
(8) Humanist Council of Southern California -- speaker --
newsletter
Glen Smiley
(1) Director of Southern Calif. ACLU (1948 Calif. UAC p.110)
(2) Regional Secretary Fellowship of Reconciliation
Dr. Paul B. Johnson
(1) Committee to Prevent Compulsory Military Training --
treasurer -- letterhead, January 10, 1947
(2) The Price, paintings and drawings by Ted Gilien --
endorsed the book -- The Price, 1948
(3) World Committee on Peaceful Cooperation -- sponsor --
People's World, January 3, 1959, page 12
(4) University of Unified Knowledge --Advisory Board --
letterhead UUK
Dr. D. Michael Morandini
(1) Director of .Humanists
(2) World Committee on Peaceful Cooperation -- Exec.Sec'y. --
letterhead
(3) University of Unified Knowledge --Dean Graduate School --
letterhead
(4) Humanist Council of Southern California -- newsletter
Dr. J. Stuart Innerst
(1) 11th Report - Dilworth pgs. 51, 94, 95, 96, 101, 109,113,
131, 135
(2) Sponsor Citizens Committee to Preserve American Freedoms
(Calif. UAC 1955, pgs. 204, 309, 311, 332, 360, 363,)
(3) Chairman Adult Pease Committee of American Friends Service
Committee (Calif. UAC 1953 p. 250)
(4) Signed forward to "The Price" by Ted Gilien. (11th Dilworth
Report Peproduced at the Richard Library and Museum
-3-
Others closely identified with Citizens for Synanon, Morandini and Rose are:
Charles Mackintosh
(1) Writer of letter to Assemblyman Petris in support of Synanon
(2) World Committee on Peacfal Cooperation -letterhead -WCPC
Herbert T. Rosenfeld
(1) World Committee on Peaceful Cooperation -- sponsor -- People's World,
January 3, 1959, page 12
(2) Humanist Council of Southern California -- speaker -- newsletter
(3) American Humanist Association -- Nat'l, Vice-Pres. -- letterhead WCPC
Dr.Mason Rose
(1) University pf Unified Knowledge -- Dean of Undergraduate School --
letterhead of UUK
(2) Humanist -- Leader of Los Angeles Chapter -- Humanist World Digest
Feb. 1960
(3) Associate Editor - Humanist World Digest Feb, 1960
(4) Save Synanon Committee - Residence at 7425 Franklin Ave., L.A. 46.
(5) Convicted -
$41,000 interstate meat shipment on Nov. 23, 1960;
sentenced
March
10,
1961
--
L.A. Examiner March 11, 1961, Sec. 2 P. 8.
Leo J. Selwyn, M.D.
(1) Signed ad in L.A. Daily News May 15, 1950, appeal to defeat Mundt-Nixon
Bill (11th Report Dilworth Po 54)
(2) University of Unified Knowledge - letterhead - March, 1960.
Leo Bigelman, M,D.
(1) California Un-American Activities 1943 p. 127, 143,; 1947 p. 71, 72, 73,;
1948 p. 223, 204; 1949 p. 422; 1955 P. 112, 272, 287, 367
(2) 11th Report - Senate Investigating Committee on Education 1953 p. 99,110
(3) Ieo Bigelman has been identified by witnesses under oath as a member
of the Communist Party.
(4) Active in Humanist Council of Southern California -- newsletter
Martin Hall
(1) California Un-American Activities 1948 p. 357; 1955 p. 176-182, 184-186,
292, 294, 306, 323, 326, 340, 34, 353, 361-362, 384, 387.
(2) 11th Report - 1953 (Dilworth) p. 50, 80, 82, 103, 131, 134, 135, 137.
"Martin Hall heads the Communist front Arts, Sciences and Professions." He has
been clossly associated with Stephen H. Fritchman, and has been identified as a
Communist
(3) He is active in Humanist Council of Southern California -- newsletter
Robert McLeod Ariss
(1) World Committee on Peaceful Cooperation -- sponsor -- People's World,
January 3, 1959, page 12
(2) University of Unified Knowledge -- member - letterhead
(3) Humanist -- writer -- Humanist World Digest - Feb. 1960
Charles W. Thurlow
(i) World Committee on Peaceful Cooperation -- treasurer -- People's World,
January 3, 1959, page 12
(2) University of Unified Knowledge -- Secretary -- letterhead
(3) Humanist -- writer -- Humanist World Digest - Feb. 1960
Leo J. Selwyn
(1) Statement Urging Action to Defeat the Mundt Bill -- signer -
Los Angeles Daily News, May 15, 1950 (advt.)
(2 ) University of Unified Knowledge - member -- letterhead UUK
Reproduced at the Richard Nixon Presidential Library and Museum
IN THE MUNICIPAL COURT OF SANTA MONICA JUDICIAL DISTRICT
COUNTY OF LOS ANGELES, STATE OF CALIFORNIA
THE PEOPLE OF THE STATE OF CALIFORNIA,
NO. M 21756
NO. CR A 4352
Plaintiff and Respondent,
VS.
SYNANON FOUNDATION, INC., CHARLES E.
ENGROSSED STATEMENT
DEDERICH, ADALINE AINLAY, JOHN P.
ON APPEAL
BARISOFF, and JESSE W. PRATT
Defendants and Appellants.
APPEAL FROM THE MUNICIPAL COURT, COUNTY OF
LOS ANGELES
HONORABLE HECTOR P. BAIDA, Judge.
Defendants have heretofore filed their Notice of
Appeal in the above entitled action with the Clerk of the above
entitled court on the 4th day of April, 1960.
The defendants hereby state their grounds of appeal in
the above entitled matter as follows:
I
THE FACTS STATED IN THE COMPLAINT DO NOT CONSTITUTE
A PUBLIC OFFENSE.
II
THE EVIDENCE IS INSUFFICIENT TO SUPPORT THE JUDGMENT.
III
ERRORS OF THE TRIAL COURT IN ADMITTING EVIDENCE.
IV
ERRORS OF THE TRIAL COURT IN EXCLUDING EVIDENCE.
Reproduced at the Richard Nixon Presidential Library and Museum
V
THE TRIAL COURT ERRED IN DECISIONS ON QUESTIONS
OF LAW ARISING DURING THE COURSE OF TRIAL.
VI
THE JUDGMENT IS CONTRARY TO LAW.
VII
THE JUDGMENT IS CONTRARY TO EVIDENCE.
Inasmuch as the oral proceedings were nottranscribed by
a reporter, defendants submit the following statement on the
evidence.
By a Complaint filed by the City Attorney of the City
of Santa Monica on the 28th day of August, 1959, defendants and
one JOHN P. BARISOFF were accused of a violation of Section 5700
Welfare and Institutions Code of the State of California, in Count
I of said Complaint; of a violation of Section 1400 Health and
Safety Code of the State of California in Count II of said
Complaint; of a violation of Section 11391 of said Health and
Safety Code in Count III of said Complaint; of a violation of
Section 13112 of said Health and Safety Code in Count IV of said
Complaint; and of the violation of Section 9105 of the Santa
Monica Municipal Code in Count V of said Complaint.
Defendants SYNANON FOUNDATION, INC., CHARLES E.
DEDERICH, ADALINE AINLAY, and JESSE W. PRATT, were found guilty
of the charges set forth in Counts III and V of the Complaint. A
motion for new trial was made as to each of said defendants. Said
motions were denied. Thereafter the Court ordered each defendant
be placed on probation for a period of two years. It is from that
order that said defendants are appealing.
The People (Respondent) introduced into evidence a
written stipulation, signed by both parties, that the defendants
are unlicensed as regards licensure required by Counts I and II
of the Complaint. During the trial, it was orally stipulated to by
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Reproduced at the Richard Nixon Presidential Library and Museum
both parties that, as regards Count V of the Complaint, Section
9105 of the Santa Monica Municipal Code prohibits a building
being used as a Hospital or Sanitarium in an R-4 District, and
that the defendant's place of business, 1351 Ocean Front, Santa
Monica, California, is in an R-4 District under the Santa Monica
Municipal Code.
The People dismissed the Complaint as to the defendant
Barisoff.
The defendant made a motion to dismiss Count IV of the
Complaint as he could not locate "Article 9-A" within "Title 17,
California Administrative Code. II (Emphasis added.) The People
made a motion to amend the Complaint by interlineation, from
"Title 17" to "Title 19, " on the grounds of a typographical error.
Ultimately, the Court denied the People's motion and did not
permit the amendment.
PEOPLE'S WITNESSES
I
JOHN P. BARISOFF was called and sworn and testified
that he became associated with the Appellants in July, 1958, when
it was known as the "T.L.C. (Tender Loving Care) Club. II He was
elected to the original Board of Directors when the T.L.C. Club
filed its Articles of Incorporation in Sacramento in September,
1958, at which time Charles Dederich and Adaline Ainlay, et al.,
were also on the Board, and that Jesse Pratt was elected to the
Board shortly thereafter. The Corporation was entitled "Synanon
Foundation, Incorporated. In addition to being a continuous
member of the Board of Directors, he (Barisoff) had the office of
Treasurer, and had intimate knowledge of the operations, policies,
practices, and procedures of Synanon Foundation. He testified
that he retained both positions when Synanon moved to its present
address in August, 1959, and lived therein (1351 Ocean Front,
Santa Monica) until his voluntary resignation in September, 1959;
- 3 -
Reproduced at the Richard Nixon Presidential Library and Museum
no one asked him to resign, nor did he ever attempt to seize
control of the organization; he resigned because of a disagreement
with the defendant Dederich, who had complete control of the Board
and all policy making; that Dederich was shaping the policies and
procedures of Synanon away from the principles of "Alcoholics
Anonymous, ⑈ upon which the T.L.C. Club and Synanon, at its start,
were founded, towards a psychiatric-oriented form of treatment;
that the systems used by Dederich, in Barisoff's opinion, were
causing great mental damage to the members and that more and more
Dederich was using Synanon to control people and to satisfy his own
ego, all at the expense of the Synanon members, as a result of
which he, Barisoff, resigned.
Barisoff testified that he was present and a participant
when the named defendants discussed and implemented the system
used by Synanon in its handling of the narcotic addiction problem;
that Synanon was formed for the purpose of treating narcotic
addiction, and to engage in research into helping narcotic addicts
recover from their addiction; that during his fourteen months'
association with the organization, he would estimate he personally
saw more than two hundred persons roomed and boarded, treated and
cared for by Synanon for narcotic addiction; that of that number
about 75% of them came into Synanon from off the street while under
the influence of narcotics or while in the beginning stages of
withdrawal from narcotics; that he had been convicted for possession
of narcotics, a felony, and had served a term of imprisonment in the
federal Penitentiary therefore, and used to be addicted to narcotics,
but he has not used narcotics for over seven years; that he is well
acquainted with the symptoms of addiction and readily recognizes
one who is under the influence of narcotics.
Barisoff testified as to Appellant's procedure for treating
an addict. When a new addict came in off the street, he would appear
before the Board of Directors for an interview; he would be
COD 4 -
Reproduced at the Richard Nixon Presidential Library and Museum
thoroughly questioned regarding his criminal record, medical
record and past sexual life; if the person were accepted, he
would begin to undergo withdrawal from narcotics; a sick-watch
was organized from other addicts or ex-addicts on the premises on
a twenty-four hours a day basis; that a member of the sick-watch
would be with the current group of patients undergoing withdrawal
around the clock, encouraging and bolsteringup the group of
addicts attempting withdrawal; that during the course of with-
drawal which lasted from one to two weeks per individual, the
addict would be given hot baths and showers, egg-nogs, backrubs,
and vitamin pills; that when a new addict came into Synanon for
treatment he would be stripped bare, all clothing and possessions
were searched and the person himself would be thoroughly searched;
that a standard part of a personal search consisted of the searcher
inserting his finger in the patient's rectal tract searching for
narcotics; that he, Barisoff, personally performed such examinations;
that after Synanon moved to its present location, the old National
Guard Armory, 1351 Ocean Front, Santa Monica, he, Barisoff, also
moved thereto, spent about one month in the new building before
resigning and that the systems and procedures used by Synanon
remained the same after moving as before moving; that in the one
month spent in the Armory Building he saw approximately twenty new
narcotic addicts come into the Foundation for purposes of under-
going withdrawal; that the Armory Building wherein Appellants
are now located is used as follows:
Basement:
Showers, lockers, storage and Steam Baths
Street Floor: Girls' dormitory, television (T.V.) room,
and reception desk
Second Floor: Living room, kitchen, dining room and
library
Third Floor: Men's dormitory and toilets
Barisoff testified that "Synanon Meetings" were an integral
part of Appellant's course of treatment; that after the addict had
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Reproduced at the Richard Nixon Presidential Library and Museum
completed undergoing withdrawal, about six to ten of them would
form into a group led by a "Synanist"; that the "Synanist" acted
as group leader and would himself generally be a recovering addict,
usually a few weeks removed from his own withdrawal; such meetings
were referred to as "therapy meetings" where the group would be
encouraged to talk; each member of the meeting would be told to
delve back into his childhood as far as he or she could remember and
to recall incidents and experiences, disturbing or otherwise; the
"Synanist" and other members of the group would question the relating
member; the more irritating these questions were to the member, then
the more questions that would be asked; they were told to discuss
anything remembered when 15 years old--then 12 years old--then 8
years old--then 5 years old--and earlier if they could recall; that
during a typical Synanon Meeting, the following terms, among others,
would be used by the "Synanist" and group members between themselves
and to describe the relating member's mental side; Negative
transference, Oedipus complex, Electra complex, Emotionally immature,
Projecting, Identifying, Hostility, etc.; that during Synanon
meetings, he, Barisoff, would see some members become hysterical and
run from the room crying; that defendants Dederich, Ainlay and Pratt
were personally heard by Barisoff using such language to treat the
recovering addict.
Barisoff testified that the "Haircut" was a regular form
of punishment applied to any member who, in the opinion of the Board,
was not abiding by the established rules of the Organization, and
such member would be called before the Board, at any time of the day
or night, and would be criticized and ridiculed; that Dederich would
be heard to say: "This is an insane asylum. 11 "They are the sick ones
and we are the well ones. " "This is a sanitarium. "
Barisoff testified that sex and sexual relations were a
regular part of Appellant's treatment for narcotic addiction; that
recovering addicts were asked if they had any mental sex blocks;
= 6 -
Reproduced at the Richard Nixon Presidential Library and Museum
that part of Appellant's treatment in keeping a recovering addict's
mind off narcotics was to suggest to the person that he try
to force himself to have sexual relations; that male members
would be asked what they thought of a named female member who her-
self was a recovering addict, and why didn't he ask her to go to
bed with him.
Barisoff testified that he personally knew of a married
couple, both narcotic addicts, who came to Appellant's premises for
treatment in undergoing withdrawal; that they, as well as any other
married couples who came to the Foundation, would be ordered to
separate--the husband was assigned to the male dormitory and the
wife would be assigned to the female dormitory; that such husband
and wife members could not sexually copulate between themselves or
with others unless they received permission from a member of the
Board of Directors; that in some cases a married couple would be
permitted the right to copulate and in other cases, for various
reasons relating to their progress in withdrawal from narcotics, a
married couple would be refused permission to engage in sexual inter-
course; that before any member, married or unmarried, could copulate
with a member of the opposite sex, he or she would have to receive
permission from a member of the Board; that meetings of the Board of
Directors would be devoted to what persons or couples could or could
not have permission to copulate; that the only single place in the
entire building at 1351 Ocean Front where sexual relations were per-
mitted was in the "T.V. (television) Room; " that the "T.V. Room"
was approximately twelve feet by fifteen feet; that it contained a
couch, draperies, carpet, king-sized bed, and a television set; that
the television set had no tubes or other works in it whatsoever; that
the "T.V. Room" was kept much occupied, particularly in the evenings;
that a couple given permission to use the "T.V. Room! would have a
time limitation of two hours for use of the room; that persons who
refrained from sexual relations were given a "Haircut" by the Board
of Directors and would be told that their reason for not asking a
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Reproduced at the Richard Nixon Presidential Library and Museum
suggested member of the opposite sex for sexual intercourse was
because the suggested member reminded them of their mother or
father, as the case may be; that he, Barisoff, of his own knowledge
heard defendant Dederich and Ainlay ask the members to call them
"Mom" and "Dad" and heard said defendants refer to the members as
the "patients" and the "children."
The People introduced into evidence a certified copy of
Appellant Corporation's Articles of Incorporation as People's
Exhibit Number one, without any objection from Appellant.
The People then produced a brochure and it was marked as
People's Exhibit Number two for identification.
Barisoff testified that he read People's Number two for
identification; that he was present when defendant Dederich dictated
it; that he heard Dederich state that People's Number two for identi-
fication was his attempt to sum up, in writing the aims, purposes
and philosophy of Synanon Foundation, Incorporated; that Dederich
had copies duplicated for hand distribution and by mail in response
to letter inquiries; that he, Barisoff, as a member of the Board of
Directors, knew that the Board sanctioned the brochure as a state-
ment of philosophy for Synanon, as did he himself agree that the
brochure was an accurate statement of the purpose and function of
Synanon; over defendant's objection, the brochure was received into
evidence as People's Exhibit Number two.
II
ROBERT ARCAND was called and sworn and testified that
he was a member of Synanon from approximately May, 1959, until
October 10, 1959; when he first went to Synanon, it was located at
2801 Promenade, Ocean Park; the building was a converted store,
the men sleeping in the back with the women members having an
apartment near the back of the store; that there were about thirty
members at the time he joined; food was
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prepared in a central kitchen in the store and members ate all
three meals therein; he had been addicted to heroin, morphine, and
pills for about six months; he received a copy of a brochure similar
to People's Exhibit Number two and decided to go to Synanon to rid
himself of the narcotic habit; when he arrived, the Board of
Directors consisted of Dederich, Ainlay, Barisoff, and Pratt; he
arrived at Synanon under the influence of narcotics, and underwent
withdrawal therein; he was given rub-downs; eggnogs and was en-
couraged to kick the habit; members on Sick Watch were with him
twen ty-four hours a day; his period of withdrawal lasted about two
weeks; during that two week period there were two other people, a
man and a woman, also in the same room as himself, also undergoing
withdrawal, and none of the three were allowed to talk among them-
selves; that when he first applied for admission he was interviewed
by the Board of Directors; he was then made to strip down completely,
his clothing was searched for narcotics; that he, Arcand, had had
eleven years' experience using narcotics and is well acquainted with
the symptoms of addiction; that during his stay at Synanon he saw
many persons that were under the influence of narcotics; that
members were regularly examined by other members for needle marks
on the neck and arms; one's eyes were also examined for constriction
of pupils and he personally was so examined and saw other people so
examined; that after completing withdrawal he was assigned to "Sick
Watch" helping other addicts just in off the street through their
own withdrawal; he was also assigned to a "Synanon Meeting Group"
for group therapy; several other persons who recently completed
withdrawal were assigned to the same group, and a Synanist headed
the group; during such therapy sessions he personally was told by
the named defendants, as well as the Synanist, that: He was
"projecting"; had a lot of "hostility" was a "latent Homosexual";
that his "sex drive was off"; he had "sex blocks"; that he had an
"Oedipus complex" and a "Transference with some girl you think is
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your mother"; and that his "rigid upbringing" made him "afraid
of sex"; that he should "prepare and condition himself for his
first act of intercourse since completing withdrawal by guarding
against "premature ejaculation".
Arcand testified that shortly after the Foundation moved
to its present location, he met a female member he wanted to have
intercourse with; he spoke to the girl and she consented; that under
the rules existing at Synanon he had to secure permission from the
Board of Directors in order to have the relations; that he and the
girl went to the defendant Ainlay, told her of their desire, and she,
Ainlay, asked if they both were sure they were ready; they answered
they were; Ainlay stated she wanted to think it over for a day; the
next day, he, Arcand was alone called to the office; that defendants
Ainlay, Dederich, and Pratt were there; they asked him if he wanted
to "make it" with the girl; he answered that he did; they told him
they had decided to give their permission for him to copulate with
the girl named; he was warned to guard against premature ejaculation,
he was told he could take the girl to the T.V. Room and had a two-
hour time limit therein; that he took the girl to the T.V. Room which
contained some furniture, a bed, and a television set that didn't
work; that after two hours passed, a receptionist told him the two
hours were up and to leave the television room.
Arcand testified that if anyone did anything the Board
didn't like, they would be called into the office for a "Haircut";
he had two or three "Haircuts", during one of which a member of the
Board told him he had a lot of hostility towards the female members
of the Foundation.
Arcand testified that every Wednesday or Thursday night
there would be "Oedipus Meetings"; these were for men only and
about fifteen to twenty men would be there; John Barisoff was in
charge; the members discussed the Oedipus complex-things that
happened to one as an infant ONE? why you've never grown up; passages
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from books pertaining to the Oedipus complex were read at the
Oedipus Meetings; that he, Arcand, had been told by members of the
Board at least a half dozen times that he had an Oedipus complex
and that he should try to figure out why he had such a complex and
to always be aware of it; that such meetings then moved to each
member relating his earliest childhood experiences, and they were
told they should "idenitify"; that upon leaving Synanon he left in a
much worse mental condition than when he entered; that defendants
Dederich and Ainlay were called "Mom" and "Dad", and they, in turn, re-
ferred to him and other members as "the kids" or "the children"; that
he saw mimeographed copies of People's Exhibit Number two in the Synanon
premises and that they were handed out to people.
Arcand testified that during the time he was undergoing with-
drawal, he felt he could not continue on any longer without narcotics;
that in mid-withdrawal he got up and began to leave the premises when
a member of the "Sick Watch" encouraged him to remain; that at no
time did a member of the "Sick Watch", or any other person at Synanon
attempt to restrain him from leaving the premises; that he was told
that he could freely and voluntarily leave the premises at any time
during or after withdrawal, but that if he left without permission,
he would never be permitted to return; that after thinking it over,
he decided not to leave the premises and did remain therein.
On cross-examination Arcand stated that the Oedipus
Meetings ended about one month before he left Synanon.
III
THELMA NEVILLE was called and was sworn and testified
that she first became associated with the T.L.C.Club (Appellant
Corporation's unincorporated predecessor-in-interest) in its early
formative stages in July, 1958; that the T.L.C. Club was founded
on the principles of Alcoholics Anonymous to help alcoholics; that
she first met the defendant Dederich, an ex-alcoholic, at an
Alcoholics Anonymous meeting; that gradually narcotic addicts began
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to drift into the T.L.C. Club; that narcotic addicts were handled the
same as alcoholics through Alcoholics Anonymous principles; that
T.L.C. Club rented a store at 2801 Promenade Ocean Park, in July,
1958; that more and more narcotic addicts came to the club; that
the early meetings at T.L.C. Club divided its members into groups
for "group therapy"; the group members were told to go as far back
in childhood as possible and recall traumatic incidents; family life,
parents, family environment; each member was called upon to bring
all these repressed feelings out into the open for the rest of the
group to discuss and identify with; that defendant Dederich was often
the moderator; that during such group therapy meetings Dederich would
use of the techniques of shock and ridicule and members would react
differently--some by anger, some by crying; that Dederich referred
to the members as "patients"; that upon T.L.C. Club's incorporating
into "Synanon Foundation, Incorporated" in September, 1958, she,
Thelma Neville, became a corporate officer, namely, Secretary to the
Corporation, as well as personal secretary to Dederich, the Chairman
of the Board; that in those capacities, she was acquainted with the
philosophy, purpose and methods of Synanon's operation; that she
was present at almost all of the meetings of the Board of Directors;
that she acted under the direction and order of the Board of
Directors which included the defendants Dederich, Ainlay, and Pratt,
et al.; ; that the Board of Directors, and particularly its Chairman,
Dederich, formed Synanon's methods for handling the addicts attracted
to its premises; that she acted within the scope of the rules and
regulations promulgated by the Board; that she was never addicted to
drugs or narcotics and was never an alcoholic, but believed that
Synanon held hope for addicts; that shortly after incorporating,
Dederich completely disassociated Synanon from Alcoholics Anonymous
and its principles; that about fifty to sixty persons belonged to
the organization at this time; that the alcoholic members left and
the narcotic addict members remained; that, as time progressed, on
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the average of ten new members per week would join Synanon; that the
new members were nearly always under the influence of narcotics
upon arrival; that male members were made to move into the dormitory
and had to quit their jobs if employed; that members were forbidden
to leave the Synanon building except in groups of four and five; that
members were forbidden to make or receive telephone calls without
permission from a member of the Board of Directors; that new addicts
were kept segregated from other resident addicts; that all officers
and Board members attended a daily 10:00 A.M. meeting to discuss
the day's business and work assignments; that if a member did not
follow the rules and regulations, he was punished by a "Haircut".
Neville testified that all members were required to attend
daily afternoon meetings where leaders read from psychiatric books
to the group; that four-hour watches or shifts existed throughout
the twenty-four hour day; that the watch personnel kept track of
those leaving the building for walks; that no one could leave except
in groups of four and five, and then only for thirty minutes and
no longer; that such "watches" were divided into the "sick watch"
and the "door watch"; the current group of persons undergoing
withdrawal were all made to stay in the living room; that a person
undergoing withdrawal was given back-rubs, eggnogs, and hot baths,
and showers; that new members, before being admitted, were made to
strip down completely in a search for narcotics; that their clothing,
even the hemlines, were searched; that she, Neville, personally
performed internal searches of female members.
Neville testified that Dederich had a favorite medical
philosophy consisting of the belief that alcoholics and narcotic
addicts are "medical cases for ninety days" and their minds are
affected to the point of insanity for ninety days; that Dederich
often said, in the presence of herself and other members that,
"The greatest emotional outlet for mental health is sex--this is a
place for mental health; " that Dederich told members, "You are
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mixed up and confused because your parents were rigid in your sex
training in that they made sex a bad thing and as a result, you
developed sex blocks; that Dederich encouraged members to have an
affair or any number of affairs as this would release emotional
tensions and the person would become less tense and rigid; that
married couples were ordered separated; that Synanon formed the
policy of a boy or girl member being required to ask Defendant
Ainlay for permission to engage in an act of sexual intercourse;
that she gave or refused permission as she saw fit; that a couple
granted permission would be limited to two hours; that married
couples would similarly so be required to receive permission from
Defendant Ainlay.
Neville testified that she recognized People's Exhibit
Number two; that defendant Dederich dictated it to her and she
transcribed his dictation in shorthand into her shorthand notebook;
that she examined People's Exhibit Number two before trial and it
is identical to the dictation contained in her shorthand notebook;
that Dederich's stated purpose in dictating the brochure was to
reduce to writing the aims, purposes and methods that formed the
Synanon method of treatment to cure narcotic addicts from their
addiction.
Neville testified that group therapy or "Synanon Meetings"
were an integral part of Synanon's system; that such meetings
would consist of about ten recovering addicts, led by a Synanist
who might himself have been in Synanon only three weeks since coming
into the group from the street under the influence of narcotics;
that Dederich claimed to be a "father figure"; that Ainlay claimed
to be a "mother figure"; that Synanon had a policy of forbidding
its members from getting jobs, as a job, in Dederich's language,
"would interfere with your progress toward mental health"; that
members were forbidden to rent their own apartments and were required
to live in the premises; that she, Neville, once informed Dederich
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that some members were "shooting dope" and that Dederich responded
with, "let them die; I need statistics just let the reporters
spell my name right; " that the Board of Directors of Synanon, in
June, 1959, consisted of Charles Dederich, Adaline Ainlay, John
Barisoff and Jesse Pratt.
Neville testified that she disagreed with the methods
used by Dederich and Synanon; that she attempted to have Synanon
return to the principles used by the Alcoholics Anonymous organiza-
tion, but without success; that she resigned from her office of
Secretary on June 20, 1959, or some two months before Synanon
moved into its present location in the Armory Building at 1351
Ocean Front.
Neville testified on cross-examination that she had never
been on the premises at 1351 Ocean Front; had never visited Synanon
after her resignation on June 20, 1959; was not a resident on
August 28, 1959, the date of filing the Complaint; that she was
not acquainted with any of the policies or procedures of Synanon
after her resignation.
The Defense objected to any testimony of Witness Neville
on the grounds she was without knowledge of Appellant's activities
on the date the Complaint was filed, namely, on August 28, 1959;
the Trial Judge overruled the objection and permitted the testimony
in on the grounds that Counts I, II and III of the Complaint relate
to activities and follow Appellants wherever they go so long as
such activities are unchanged, and do not rest upon his use of any
particular building as a building, and for the additional grounds
that the Complaint, although filed on August 28, 1959, actually
alleged the offenses as having been committed "on or about August
26,
1959
11 and that by their very nature, such alleged illegal
activities are continuing offenses; thereupon, the Court permitted
such testimony to come in to go to the proof of Appellant's
activities up until June 20, 1959, the date of resignation by the
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witness from Synanon.
IV
JEROME M. KUMMER was called and sworn and testified that
he is a licensed California medical doctor, specializing in
psychiatry; that he received his B.A. degree at Wesleyan University,
his M.D. degree at New York Medical College, his internship at the
U. S. Marine Hospital, and then spent two years in the U.S. Army as
a psychiatrist; thereupon he spent a two year residency with the
Veterans Administration where he had much experience treating
narcotic addiction; thereupon he opened a private office in Santa
Monica as a psychiatrist and has been so employed for the past eleven
years; he then indicated numerous professional attainments in
psychiatric circles, naming diplomates he holds, committees of
medical associations he heads and belongs to, hospital staffs upon
which he is a consultant, including Camarillo State Hospital; that
he is a member of the Faculty, Department of Psychiatry, U.C.L.A.,
a Fellow of the American Psychiatrists' Association, First President
of the Southern California Association of Psychiatrists; named
articles he has written and professional journals to which he has
contributed articles.
The Defense thereupon indicated the witness need give no
further qualifications and stipulated that Dr. Kummer was duly
qualified as an expert witness for the testimony sought to be
elicited from him by the People.
Dr. Kummer testified that:
1) Psychiatry is the branch of medicine that specializes
in narcotics addiction;
2) Narcotic addiction is a psychiatric medical problem,
as opposed to a physical medical problem;
3) Narcotic addicts are "mentally ill" and suffer from a
"human illness";
4) Medical science treats an addict for addiction as follows:
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a) Supportive physical therapy;
b) Supportive psychological therapy;
c) Gradual withdrawal from narcotics, and/or substitution from
narcotics to other non-narcotic drugs;
4-a) Supportive physical therapy is the first step in
treating an addict for addiction because one who has a current case
of addiction is generally in poor physical health due to bad eating
habits; also, an addict's income may go to buy narcotics instead of
food; also, the treatment for addiction places a severe stress on
body resources as one undergoes withdrawal; and that withdrawal could
result in severe or permanent illness, even in death in severe cases;
4-b) Supportive psychological therapy is the second step
in treating an addict for addiction because it is essential to keep
the patient reassured and encouraged and free of psychological stress;
4-c) Gradual withdrawal from narcotics, and/or substitution
from narcotics to other non-narcotic drugs is the third step in
treating an addict for addiction, as this is the standard method
used by medical science for safety's sake, although there are other
non-medically approved methods for this third phase of the treatment;
5. He was present in Court since the above-entitled case was
called and heard all the direct and cross-examination testimony thus
far adduced from the People's witnesses;
6. That assuming all the evidence thus far adduced was true
as concerns the activities carried on by Synanon Foundation, Inc.,
he would be able to form an opinion as to whether or not such activi-
ties constitute the medical treatment of narcotic addicts for addiction;
7) That in his opinion, Synanon Foundation, Inc., has
medically treated narcotic addicts for addiction;
8) That with reference to the standard medically accepted
method of treating narcotic addicts for addiction (i.e., supportive
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physical therapy, supportive psychological therapy, and gradual
withdrawal and/or substitution), Synanon Foundation, Inc. has
treated narcotic addicts for addiction as follows:
8-a) Supportive physical - by the eggnogs and vitamin
pills given the members;
8-b) Supportive psychological - by the around the clock
"sick watch" that is always present, encouraging the addict to
continue on with the withdrawal;
8-c) Gradual withdrawal and/or substitution--presently,
it appears Synanon does not use this third phase of the standard
treatment; instead, Synanon uses the "Cold Turkey" method of
complete and sudden removal from any and all narcotics and drugs;
9) That Synanon is treating addicts for addiction in a
medically approved manner as to the first two phases of its treatment
(i.e., supportive physical and supportive psychological). but Synanon
is not treating addicts for addiction in a medically approved manner
as to the third phase of its treatment (i.e., use of the "Cold
Turkey" method instead of gradual withdrawal and/or substitution);
that some schools of medicine do advocate the "Cold Turkey" method,
but this is not the generally approved method and that, in fact,
there exists a great likelihood of permanent injury or death by use
of the "Cold Turkey" method;
10) That there is medical danger in the method of treating
addicts for addiction used by Synanon;
11) That he, Dr. Kummer, had read People's Exhibit Number
two prior to trial; that, assuming an Organization exists which
actually follows in practice that which is contained in said Exhibit,
then there are many similarities between the manner in which that
Organization treats addicts for addiction and the manner in which
he, as a psychiatrist treats addicts for addiction; that the only
dissimilarities in method are that psychiatry uses the principles
of love and understanding and not those of shock and ridicule; and,
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by the use of a "Synanist", such an organization is based on the
method of the "blind leading the blind" contrary to a trained,
professionally educated medical doctor, as used in institutions
licensed to treat addiction; also, that medical science would never
treat an addict for addiction particularly by the "Cold Turkey"
method of withdrawal, except in a place of maximum restraint since
a withdrawing narcotic addict's craving for narcotics is so great
that he must at all times be physically restrained, whereas the
organization described in People's Exhibit Number two and the
testimony thus far adduced would indicate an addict could at any
time during withdrawal, simply walk out of the organization's
premises in mid-withdrawal and walk the streets to search for a
supply of narcotics. Dr. Kummer further testified that he had
never been on the premises of the Defendant Corporation.
Over objection by Defendant that People's Exhibit two for
identification was incompetent, irrelevant and immaterial inasmuch
as it was not a statement of the policies of the Defendant Corpora-
tion, the trial Judge admitted the said exhibit in evidence.
Thereupon the People rested.
DEFENSE WITNESSES
I
BERNARD W. CASSELMAN was called by the Defense, and sworn
and testified that he graduated from a medical school in Peru,
South America in 1956; that he received a medical doctor's license
from California on July 13, 1959; that he considers himself a
specialist in "medical ethnology", which is the study of the medical
aspects of human races; that he considers himself a specialist in
narcotic addiction because he spent time in Peru, South America,
where cocaine is grown, and for the further reason he has observed
the Nalline test given, but is not himself certified to give such
test.
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Dr. Casselman testified that he was the "Family Physician"
for Synanon since August, 1959; that he had spent considerable time
in Appellant's premises observing its activities; that in his
opinion, Appellants were not operating a hospital or sanitarium
and were not treating addiction within the medical definition of the
word.
On cross-examination Dr. Casselman testified that he
appeared at the trial without being subpoenaed, and that he was
receiving no expert witness fee whatsoever; that he heard the testi-
mony of Dr. Kummer, but disagreed with him on two grounds: First,
that in his, Dr. Casselman's opinion, there is no standard method of
treating narcotic addicts for addiction, and second, that in his,
Dr. Casselman's opinion, the "Cold Turkey" method of complete and
sudden withdrawal from all narcotics, as used by Synanon, is a
medically accepted and approved method of treating narcotic addicts
for addiction; also, that in his opinion, not only is the "Cold Turkey"
method medically accepted, it is medically preferred by most authori-
ties in the field of narcotic addiction treatment.
Dr. Casselman testified on cross-examination that he is an
"authority figure' at Synanon; that defendant Dederich is a "father
figure' at Synanon; that he, Dr. Casselman, had once been given a
"Haircut" by the Board of Directors of Synanon as punishment for
having brought his dog into the premises; that he does not live at
Synanon; that he does not practice out of his own or anyone else's
private office; that he has never himself used narcotics except on
one occasion during recuperation from an operation; that he is not
now or never has been addicted to narcotics; has never treated a
broken bone or fracture among Synanon members; has never performed
any operations, minor or otherwise, on Synanon members; has treated
several cases of virus of the Asian Flu type; refused to answer
whether he ever treated any other forms of disease at Synanon's
place of business because of the patient-doctor privilege; that he
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spends as much as eight hours per day at Synanon; that of the eight
hours, perhaps one and one-half hours might be spent treating
patients and the remainder he would spend socializing.
Dr. Casselman testified on cross examination that as a
narcotics addiction expert, he is acquainted with the symptoms of
addiction; that during his six months' association with Synanon, in
his educated guess, he saw from fifty to one hundred-fifty persons
under the influence of narcotics come into Synanon's building at
1351 Ocean Front, Santa Monica, for purpose of undergoing withdrawal
from narcotics; that he, Dr. Casselman, personally brought boxes of
rubber gloves to Synanon so that members could use them while
dilating the rectal tract of other members in a search for narcotics;
that he has seen such internal examinations performed at Synanon,
but never himself performed such an examination at Synanon; that he
personally brought boxes of vitamin pills into Synanon for the
patients to take; that Synanon patients undergoing withdrawal were
given eggnogs and backrubs in addition to the vitamin pills.
II
CHARLES FELDMAN was called and sworn and testified for
the Defense that he is employed by the Department of Public Health
and as such, represents the State Bureau of Hospitals; that he has
been so employed for the past four years; that his work consists
of inspecting hospitals as defined in Section 1400 of the Health
and Safety Code; that he is qualified as an expert witness to
inspect and decide what are hospitals; that a few weeks after
Synanon Foundation, Inc. moved to 1351 Ocean Front, Santa Monica,
in September, 1959, he had occasion to inspect said building; that
in his opinion, the building was not a hospital within themeaning
of the Health and Safety Code of the State of California.
Feldman testified on cross-examination that when he inspected
Appellant's place of business in September, 1959, he was taken on
a tour of the building by defendants Dederich, Ainlay and Pratt, and
that said defendants described Synanon's mode of operation to
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him; that he, Feldman, formed his opinion that Synanon was not
operating a hospital largely from what said defendants told him;
that said defendants told him that the residents therein do not come
to Synanon while under the influence of narcotics; that said
residents are all ex-addicts who only come to Synanon for room and
board; that no one ever told him the Synanon Building is used by
persons as a place to come to undergo withdrawal from narcotics;
that said defendants told him the building is only used by ex-addicts
as a place to have discussion groups; that his inspection lasted only
about one to one and one-half hours; that said inspection was during
the day; that he never made any further investigations, particularly
no evening inspections.
Feldman testified on cross-examination that he uses Section
1401 of the Health and Safety Code to decide if an institution is a
hospital; that he was aware that Section 1401 of the Health and
"
Safety Code defines a hospital as a
place
which maintains and
operates
organized facilities for one or more persons for the
care and treatment of human illness
to which persons may be ad-
mitted for overnight stay or longer" that in his opinion, Synanon
did have: a) Organized facilities, b) for one or more persons,
c) for the care and treatment, d) of human illness, e) to which
persons may be admitted for overnight stay or longer.
Feldman testified on cross-examination that Section 1415
(e) of the Health and Safety Code specifically excludes from the
jurisdiction of his Department -- the Department of Public Health -
places for the reception and care of the "insane, alleged insane,
11
mentally ill, mentally deficient, or other incompetent persons
;
that in his opinion, Synanon was operating a place for the mentally
ill and was therefore outside the jurisdiction of his Department;
that although his Department could not regulate such a place, he
felt Synanon should be regulated and licensed by someone.
WHEREUPON, the Defense rested, the People offered no
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rebuttal, both sides stipulating that the Cause would stand as
submitted. The Court took the matter under submission until
further notice.
Thereafter, the cause was called for purpose of
Substitution of Attorneys, which was granted; thereupon,
substituted-in-counsel moved to reopen the case, which was granted,
and the following witnesses were called by the Defense.
III
CHARLES E. DEDERICH the defendant, sworn as a witness
testified in his own behalf substantially as follows: That he was the
Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Defendant Corporation and
had been so since the time of its inception as a corporate entity;
that the Defendant Corporation was a Non-Profit California Corporation
organized in an effort to seek out and effect a possible solution to
the problem of Narcotic Addiction which heretofore had been considered
by all experts in the field to be insoluble; that by the very nature
of its purpose the policies and activities carried on by the Defendant
Corporation must needs be flexible and formulated by a method of trial
and error; that in general the Defendant Corporation provided an
environment wherein ex-addicts could read literature on Psychology,
Philosophy, Religion, Sociology, and kindred subjects and discuss
their problems with other ex-addicts in the light of what they had
learned by their studies. Dederich further testified that no resident
of the Defendant Corporation was permitted to use alcohol or narcotics.
The Defendant Dederich identified the so-called brochure (People's
Exhibit Number two in evidence) as a paper which he had prepared to
read before a meeting of the California State Adult Authority Parole
Officers at the special instance and request of a Parole Supervisor,
that in it he had used a few common psychological, sociological and
religious terms known to the average educated layman but that this
so-called brochure was not to be construed as a prescription or course
of treatment for the cure of addiction inasmuch as it was merely a
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statement of what seemed to be evolving within the Defendant
Corporation at the time he delivered the paper which was approxi-
mately a year previous; that the so-called brochure was in no wise
a prospectus of the aims and purposes of the Corporation; that he was
not a psychologist nor did he consider himself an expert on the
problem of drug addiction; that he was merely a layman attempting to
do something about what is generally considered to be the most serious
problem confronting our society today; Defendant Dederich further
testified that no member of the Board of Directors of the Defendant
Corporation had ever received any remuneration for their services,
that as a matter of fact one of the defendants, the Defendant Adaline
Ainlay, had expended many thousands of dollars of her own monies to
support the Defendant Corporation; Dederich further testified that no
medication of any kind whatsoever had been administered under his
direction.
Dederich testified on cross-examination that Synanon
generally houses fifty members at any one time who live, eat and
sleep in the premises; that such persons generally have a history of
narcotic addiction; that Synanon is a family structure where people
in trouble come to see us; that the premises contain a T.V. Room;
that the T.V. Room contains a television set without any tubes or
works; that the T.V. Room is used for private meetings, and could
be used by members as a place for sexual intercourse activities,
but he has no knowledge if such activities occur therein; that
payments received from inmates are in exchange for everything we
furnish; that he has no knowledge of any sexual activities occurring
within the Synanon Building; that Synanon has no connection with
Alcoholics Anonymous; that Synanon's methods differ from the methods
employed by Alcoholics Anonymous; that the Board of Directors take
a case history from each new admittee; that the members are
encouraged to discuss their experiences from earliest childhood
forward; that he, Dederich, is an ex-alcoholic.
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IV
ADALINE AINLAY was called, was sworn and testified on her
own behalf that she is a member of the Board of Directors of Synanon
Foundation, Inc., and has been since incorporation; that she has
never administered any narcotics.
Ainlay testified on cross-examination that at Synanon we
deal with the basic facts of life; that she herself had been
psychoanalyzed and that some of the methods used by the psychiatrist
upon herself had been incorporated by her into her dealings with
Synanon members; that she has recommended Synanon members against
indulging in sexual activities as such activity has a harmful effect
on drug addicts; that she, Ainlay, had been committed to Camarillo
State Hospital on one occasion; that she is an ex-narcotic addict
and used to steal narcotics out of the medical bag of her husband
who was a doctor.
V
JESSE PRATT was called and sworn and testified in his own
behalf that he was a member of the Board of Directors of Synanon
Foundation, Inc., and had been so at the time the Complaint was
filed; that no medication had been administered under his direction;
that he had been a narcotic addict for sixteen years and had spent
approximately ten and one-half years of that period in penitentiaries
and other penal institutions on narcotic convictions; that before
associating with Synanon he had never voluntarily abstained from
narcotics for more than sixty hours; that since joining Synanon, he
has been abstaining; that he knows of fifty-four people Synanon has
helped abstain from narcotics.
Pratt testified on cross-examination that of the fifty-
four people he knows Synanon to have helped, fifty of that number are
still residents of Synanon; that only four persons are now on the
streets away from Synanon, and still clean from the use of narcotics;
that he recognized approximately six or eight names specifically
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asked; that he personally knew those six or eight people; that all
of them are former members of Synanon who have since left Synanon;
that he personally knows that each person so named has, since
leaving Synanon, been arrested and is currently in jail on various
narcotics offenses.
WHEREUPON, the Defendants rested.
THEREAFTER, the Cause was called for purposes of a verdict;
prior to the rendering of verdict, the Defense moved to reopen the
Cause, which motion was granted and the following witness was again
called by the Defense for additional testimony.
VI
CHARLES DEDERICH again testified in his own behalf and
stated that in his opinion Synanon has had great success in curing
addicts from their addiction; no cross-examination was made.
WHEREUPON, the Defendants rested; the People offered no
rebuttal.
DEFENDANTS adjudged guilty as to Counts III and V.
The Court does now settle and allow the foregoing engrossed
statement and certifies that the same is a true and correct statement
of the proceedings had in the above entitled action.
DATED: this 13th day of June, 1960.
/s/ HECTOR P. BAIDA
Judge of the Municipal Court
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