S2|E6: Poster Child

S2|E6: Poster Child

In this episode of 'The Sunshine Place', you'll be taken back to 1985 when Princess Diana and Nancy Reagan visited Straight Incorporated, a controversial drug rehabilitation program. Their visit brought international attention to the program, leading to a surge in enrolment. But behind the glamour of high-profile endorsements lay a troubling reality. Cindy Ettler, the episode's narrator, recounts her harrowing experience at Straight, where she was sent after her mother saw Nancy and Diana on TV.

Cindy's story is one of many that reveal the dark side of Straight's methods, which included physical and emotional abuse, brainwashing, and using kids to recruit more kids into the program. The episode also delves into the origins of these methods, tracing them back to military rehabilitation techniques and the troubled teen industry. Wendy, another former participant, shares her journey from rebellious teenager to Straight's poster child, highlighting the psychological manipulation she endured.

This episode is a powerful exploration of how a program that promised to help ended up causing immense harm. It's a must-listen for anyone interested in understanding the complexities of addiction treatment and the impact of high-profile endorsements on vulnerable populations.