Joey Pigza swallowed the key

Joey Pigza is a young man with a hyperactivity disorder. Joey knows he is a good person, but cannot seem to help himself from getting into trouble. Joey's father and mother abandon him early in life, and he is forced to live with an abusive grandmother who gives him little support. Years later, his mother returns, only to throw his life into confusion and disorder. Joey has had many problems in school, and as a result has been placed on medication for his disorder. However, the medication seems to work sporadically and as a result, Joey often finds himself wired and bouncing off the walls. He is unable to control his behavior when he gets into this state, which causes him to do things that get him into trouble such as talking back, fidgeting to the point of harming himself, and not paying attention, which results in harm to others. Joey knows that he misbehaves but believes he is unable to be cured. When Ed Vanness gives him hope however, Joey realizes that part of his issues are related to his past, and his current situation. He finds the strength to confront his mother, and realizes she too has issues of her own. Over time, Joey learns that through new medication and a support system, he is able to control himself and find peace and happiness.