The Phenomenon of Self-perpetuation in Synanon-Type Drug Treatment Programs

Residential treatment programs for drug abusers have increased along with the growth of drug abuse in this country. Most of the programs are based on the Synanon model, although the success claimed for it has yet to be documented. The few seemingly reliable data that are available on these programs, and on Synanon itself, show a high rate of attrition among participants. Of those who complete the prograns, half or more remain as staff members, and the authors suggest that this phenomenon may account for what success the programs have had.