Have you ever known anyone who joined a cult?

Or have you ever joined one?

I have a long time friend who was in a cult for 16 years. And it scares me that she still defends it and talks about it as a positive experience. I also know she has not told me the truth about why she joined and a few other aspects of it. And she is usually truthful about most things.

So...why did your friend join? Or why did you join? Why did you or your friend stay as long as you did?