Chapter 18 Summary and Analysis

James introduces himself to Michael, the newest arrival to the Clinic. Michael is a Catholic University Administrator addicted to crack and prostitutes, and yet another example of the universality of addiction. At the Clinic, all the patients are equal, regardless of education, income, background, or culture. The reservation of judgment is critical to each patient's recovery, since each patient must deal with his own judgment of himself before he can maintain his sobriety. James deals with his self-condemnation through the act of looking himself in the eye and ceasing to punish himself physically for his addiction.

James walks Leonard out of the Clinic. Leonard asks James to be his son, and James is moved and flattered by the request. Leonard has played a major role in James's recovery, has been a source of strength and comfort in James's darkest episodes, and...