Recovering alcoholic Charles Dederich opens a drug rehabilitation program. Synanon, as he names it, soon attracts celebrities and non-addicts who donate their time and wealth. The community grows into a movement that expands across the country.

Chuck establishes "The Synanon Religion" and maintains their tax-exempt status; Chuck becomes increasingly authoritative and dictatorial; many members find themselves weighing the benefits and costs of the choices they're forced to make.

Chuck's behaviour becomes more belligerent and abusive; he forms a military-like boot camp for delinquent children where corporal punishment abounds; TIME Magazine publishes "Swinging at Synanon" and Chuck sues for $76 million as his paranoia grows.

In 1977, the Los Angeles Times reports on the nine-day abduction of Frances Winn by Synanon; Chuck spends $62,000 on guns and ammunition; sentenced to five years probation, Chuck loses everything and dies in a nursing home.