How did Charles Manson control members of the Manson Family?

Charles Manson maintained control over the members of the Manson Family through a combination of psychological manipulation, systemic abuse, and the promotion of a communal lifestyle centered on his idiosyncratic teachings.12

His methods of control included:

• Substance Abuse: Manson encouraged the heavy use of LSD and other recreational drugs, which is believed to have increased his influence over his followers.123
• Manipulation and Abuse: He utilized constant psychological manipulation and physical abuse to maintain authority. This included the sexual abuse of his female followers, whom he also reportedly offered to others for various forms of payment.23
• Ideological Indoctrination: Manson acted as a guru, drawing followers into a cult that studied his teachings, which were derived from science fiction, occultism, Scientology, and fringe psychology. He preached an apocalyptic race war he termed "Helter Skelter," which he claimed would result in the Family’s eventual dominance.124
• Isolation and Dependency: Many followers were young, vulnerable runaways who viewed the group as a new home, fostering deep devotion and a sense of sisterhood that Manson exploited to ensure their loyalty and obedience to his violent directives.2