Stiftung Synanon

Founded in 1982, Stiftung Synanon is a charity based in Berlin, Germany working on health, mental health, addiction +4 more.

Stiftung Synanon is a self-help addiction support community based in Berlin, Germany. Founded as a foundation in 1982 to continue the work of Synanon e.V. (established 1971 as Release Berlin e.V.), it offers residential addiction treatment on a 'admission at once, day and night, without preconditions' basis, with residents living in group households and following three community rules. Treatment lasts typically two to three years and includes work-based training in vocational enterprises (removals, cleaning, gardening, carpentry, catering, riding therapy), legal and debt support, healthcare and addiction prevention talks for schools and professionals. The organisation runs houses in Berlin-Kreuzberg, Berlin-Lichtenberg, Berlin-Karow and Berlin-Frohnau, an agricultural estate in Hof Fleckenbühl (Hesse) and holiday homes in Steinhagen near Stralsund. It is recognised as a drug therapy facility under §35 BtMG and as a free youth welfare provider. Funding comes from donations, court-ordered fines and public programmes.