Cyndy Etler's Harrowing Journey Through Straight Inc: Teenage Torture and Brainwashing
The bottom line really was: any child who walked in the doors of straight was a drug addict, according to straight, because they weren't.
Imagine being a teenager and finding yourself in a place that's supposed to help but instead turns into a nightmare. In this gripping episode of 'Harm Reduction Radio - HAMS', Kenneth Anderson talks to Cyndy Etler, the author of 'Straightling'. Cyndy shares her shocking experiences at Straight Inc., a drug rehab program notorious for its abusive practices during the 70s and 80s.
Labeled as a drug addict without cause, she endured confrontational counseling and attack therapy, which were anything but therapeutic. The conversation dives into the harsh realities of such programs, the neglect and misdiagnosis that many teens faced, and the ongoing impact of these traumatic experiences. Cyndy also highlights the Surviving Straight Inc. website, which documents the abuses and serves as a platform for survivors to share their stories.
Kenneth and Cyndy don't just stop at recounting horrors; they also offer practical advice on how to choose a safe and effective rehab program for loved ones. This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in understanding the darker side of the drug rehab industry and learning how to protect those they care about from similar fates.