ROLE OF ADDICTION AND SUBSTANCE ABUSE IN THE NOVEL?

[DakotaA]

Addictive tendencies run in families, so it makes sense for the protags to take after their parents. It is also normalised for them, in a way, because they grew up very aware of what addiction is.

[Hiruni Bhagya 81]

Addictions are a way to not deal with pain and emotions temporarily. It's not permanent. So, they have to maintain their addictions in order to keep those feelings away and stop them from coming back stronger. Actually, these addictions prevent them from dealing with those emotional scars and helplessness.

[kensgarment odogwu]

I think addiction was a way for the protagonists to avoid dealing with their personal issues. Duke used alcohol to fill his desire for family. His methamphetamine addiction was caused by his “family,” but it was also a way for him to feel closer to his family.

Gary used alcohol and drugs to replace his own family, but also it was a symptom of a directionless life. This is so common in this generation because kids are told “you can be anything you want.” The only problem is that no one tells those kids that it takes hard work to get there. This generation tends to think that everything should be handed to them, or it should be easy to get there. Gary comments on this as well, when he talks about wanting to find love and to make a difference, but he doesn’t realize that it takes effort to do both.

You nailed it
Thanks for this intriguing comment.

[Agbata Charles]

I am really enjoying this comment section. You guys are amazing

[Moo Reny]

Well I agree with you, but substance abuse shouldn't be praised on anyway at all.

[Not available anymore]

Well true, but I think the author should have done more in advising against the use of drug, because though drug may seem like an escape the dangers most not be underrated

[Mellino Itz]

"An addictive action often creates a sense of being empowered", - this is true. It "creates" something that is not real. While the addicted person may feel empowered, he is still perpetuating his own self-destruction. Alcohol and drugs provide an escape, a way to not have to face the painful emotions and memories of the past. It actually makes the addict more helpless. This is the difficulty of dealing with addicts. Leaving their drugs and alcohol behind faces them to face up to the memories and pain that torment them. In the book we see how Duke conquered alcohol but not drugs. Gary's coma was a blessing in disguise to eliminate his addictions.

I can very much relate to this. I got so attached to alcohol after my first heartbreak when once I had my drink I have no memories of her.

[ELSETH MAEVE]

It is hard to find out the ins and outs of something, unless you are part of it. For example, the use of drugs by those who perform circus stunts. This, with an aim of prolonging their performing hours and neutralising their fears. I think that the aim of involving substance abuse was to show that it is hard to be part of a given group and not pick up some of their traits. The other thing is that to escape the dangers of any society or environment is by not being part of it or leaving it totally.

[Gary Robinson]

Very true. We did come from broken homes. We both struggled with finding real true happiness. Duke and I used drugs, to elevate our spirits.

[Roderick Voss]

Yes, they are a form of pain relief, but they never solve the problem and instead make the person more helpless.

[koffi Malay]

Since the book is set in the past and drug use has been a problem. I don't think we can hold one generation responsible for the problems of the past.

[Mellino Itz]

In my observation addiction as a manifestation of a disturbed psyche is another important motif in the book.

Gary Robinson grows up as a helpless and powerless child unable to stop his mother’s drinking habits. Duke Reynold too extensively uses drugs to sustain himself.

An addictive action often creates a sense of being empowered, of regaining control against helplessness. Drugs are particularly good for this purpose because they alter one's emotional state, making them feel empowered and decisive. We see this in the protagonists. Both the protagonists hail from dysfunctional families and addiction helps them to cope up with this emotional scar and helplessness.

what are your observations on this?

My thoughts was just the same as yours. This was the same way i had my first contact with alcohol after the death of a loved one. Alcohol to the pain away but it was just for a moment.

[Ngozi mouau]

Addictions often serve as a means of alleviating underlying emotional pain, as individuals attempt to self-medicate and avoid confronting their inner struggles. However, it is only by rejecting the crutch of addiction and bravely confronting their pain that true healing can be found.