What metaphors are used in Tricks by Ellen Hopkins?

Las Vegas becomes a symbol and metaphor of struggle and fall for most of the characters. Las Vegas is the one city where all five protagonists end up meeting or reaching. It is where Whitney becomes a drug-addled prostitute, where Seth becomes a boy toy to Carl. It is where Alex and Ginger end up stripping and are arrested, and it is where Eden is saved by Alex and then Father Gregory at church.