AUDIO – FASCINATING!!! –
Dec. 17, 2025 – The 47-year-old program is one of Europe’s best-known rehab centers. It requires long-term stays, and patients work at the facility, without pay, as they undergo care. “San Patrignano was oppressive,” Severi said. “It was a total institution, controlling every aspect of my life.” “This is the only place in Italy, and maybe in Europe, where people are working for free, not even in jails.”
Under what’s known as a “therapeutic community” model, San Patrignano offers years-long residential addiction treatment led by peers in recovery, rather than medical experts. Work and being part of a community member are key parts of the therapy, under the theory that productivity improves self-esteem, helps residents connect with others and provides training that may lead to jobs later on.
But Severi said the mental health issues that led to his addiction were never properly addressed. He also criticized the program’s use of unpaid labor.
“This is the only place in Italy, and maybe in Europe, where people are working for free, not even in jails,” Severi said.
Controversies deepened at San Patrignano during Severi’s time there. In a high-profile trial, Muccioli stood accused of participating in the coverup of the murder of a man who fled the rehab.
In 1989, Roberto Maranzano was found beaten to death near Naples, wrapped in a San Patrignano blanket. In 1993, evidence revealed at the trial suggested that Muccioli had been aware of the crime, but didn’t notify authorities and appeared to discuss killing another resident who threatened to divulge the circumstances of Maranzano’s death.
