Jim Jones' rapid drug use and paranoia led to the Jonestown massacre, recalls survivor.

At the age of 12, Yulanda Williams became a member of the People's Temple, a religious cult that resulted in the deaths of over 900 individuals.

During the '70s in San Francisco, the church seemed like a utopia, a haven of safety before Williams and her family's ordeal.

"Williams recounted to Planet Chronicle Digital that his dad had a heart attack and was told by his doctor that he would never be able to return to work. His condition worsened, and a clergy friend informed him about the People's Temple and its leader, Jim Jones, who claimed to have healing powers."

"Williams stated that his father attended a service and described the presence of many young people, an interracial church, which was unusual at the time. Williams was thrilled to be a part of it. It appeared captivating. Jim Jones seemed to be the leader that they required. They were drawn in."

The survivor of the mass murders, Williams, is sharing his story in a new docuseries titled "Cult Massacre: One Day in Jonestown" on National Geographic and HULU. The series details the final hours leading up to one of America's darkest moments. It includes new interviews with survivors and eyewitnesses, as well as rare footage and recordings of Jones.

Williams recalls the first time she met the charismatic leader of the People's Temple, which her family joined between 1968 and 1969.

"Williams praised Jones for not seeking a platform, stating that he was an ordinary person who was approachable and accessible. This was exciting for Williams as a young person to know someone with power and authority who was still accessible."

In the mid-1950s, Jones established the People’s Temple in Indianapolis. By the early '70s, he moved his headquarters to San Francisco, where his popularity increased. Jones' message of social justice and a racially integrated congregation drew a diverse group of followers, many of them African American.

In the '70s, as the media began investigating allegations of abuse and tyranny within the People's Temple, Jones invited his followers to a new home in Jonestown, Guyana.

Williams and her family didn’t think twice about following Jones.

Williams stated that he made it seem like the promised land was on earth, and that he showed us pictures of the jungle and rainforest. He also displayed various fruits that grew there and promised each family member a home.

"We wouldn't need to work anymore because we would sustain ourselves through the crops we grew. There would be no need for law enforcement or authoritarian figures. Any family members who didn't want to be part of the People's Temple would be welcome to visit. If they decided to stay, arrangements would be made."

"Williams shared that they were creating a new utopian society that was accessible to everyone and it was thrilling."

It didn't take long for Williams' family and other members to notice that their once-magnetic leader was plagued with paranoia, despite appearing happy at first in their new environment.

"According to Williams, the individual appeared to be a different person when they were in the United States. They seemed to become increasingly dependent on others for assistance and their decision-making abilities declined. The person started questioning every possible option presented to them and their sleep patterns became disrupted. They would stay up all night and take medications to stay awake. Their speech also slowed down and they would complain about not being able to sleep despite taking pills to stay awake."

""I knew this man was on drugs," said Williams, a city kid."

Stephan Jones and Jim Jones Jr., the sons of Jones, previously told Planet Chronicle Digital that they had seen their father becoming increasingly addicted to pharmaceutical drugs.

The leader, known for his megalomaniac tendencies, began ruling with an iron fist. It is reported that Jones consumed a variety of pills throughout the day, including amphetamines and tranquilizers, in both pill and liquid form. Jones was convinced that both the CIA and FBI were attempting to tap his phones and had plans to infiltrate his church with undercover spies.

Williams said Jones’ increasing drug habits couldn’t be ignored.

"Before our trip to Guyana, my sister accused him of being an addict, stating that she knew what she was talking about as an addict herself. We denied this and called her insane, but we believe he tried to conceal it from us. As his addiction worsened, he lost control over himself and his actions."

She stated that in the end, no one was there to conceal his mistakes.

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Williams stated that Jonestown transformed into a "plantation" and "concentration camp." Instead of emphasizing love, Jonestown's leader now focused on lessons about discipline, making sacrifices for "the cause" and not "betraying others."

Despite the presence of mosquitoes and snakes, the followers toiled in the fields from dawn to dusk. The plants and crops withered under the scorching sun, while Jones' rants on loudspeakers disrupted their sleep at night.

Women were required to shower in a communal room without privacy.

No one was allowed to step out without Jones' permission, resulting in the confiscation of all passports.

"Williams stated, "We primarily relied on rice pudding for survival. His voice was constantly present, inescapable. It seemed as though we were under mind control, brainwashed. We listened to his voice to confirm our existence and to feel alive.""

In a moment of weakness, Williams escaped from the heavily guarded compound using the few dollars she had left to call her family members and instruct them to alert the press about the situation.

It was her education that she said ultimately saved her.

According to Time magazine, Williams and her family were among the select few granted permission to depart Jonestown. The reason given was that Williams, now a college student, required to complete her studies at the University of California.

Williams claims that Jones threatened her and her family with the wrath of the "angels" if they ever spoke ill of Jonestown, which she believes refers to the church members who would carry out his orders and murder them.

No so-called "angels" went after Williams and her family.

In 1978, California Rep. Leo Ryan and his team traveled to Jonestown to investigate allegations against Jones after a family who escaped Jonestown reached out to him.

The government's alleged attempt to take him down caused Jones' paranoia to intensify.

Jones instructed his followers to commit suicide by consuming a mixture of Valium, chloral hydrate, cyanide, and Phenergan dissolved in Flavor Aid, which later became known as "drinking the Kool-Aid."

On November 18, 1978, more than 900 Americans died from ingesting poison. Approximately 300 of the victims were children. An estimated 90 people escaped.

A gunshot wound to the head resulted in the death of Jones, who was 47 years old.

One communal dinner was described by Williams, during which Jones gave a hint about the violence that was to follow.

""Williams said, 'I hope you enjoyed your meal. This is going to be your last meal because we're all going to die together for what we believe,'" causing paranoia among the group. Some people wanted to leave, while others remained unsure if they had been poisoned. Then, Williams started laughing, mocking those who had tried to escape."

"Williams acknowledged those who were prepared to die, calling them good comrades, while ridiculing those who didn't want to die."

Currently, Williams serves as a police captain in the San Francisco Police Department and delivers lectures on cults.

Those who didn't make it have stayed with her throughout the years.

""Jim Jones was a monster, and I believe with my whole heart that 900 people wouldn't have just stood there in line, on their own free will, and kept drinking the Kool-Aid that was going to kill them," she said."

"Jonestown Massacre: One Day" is now streaming on HULU and will air on National Geographic on Aug. 14. The Associated Press provided input for this report.