Summary

In Chapter 14, as Nic continued in the program, he became more emotional, open, honest. He even expressed gratitude for the program. The fellow patients urged Nic to stay sober and go to college. After several weeks, Nic finished the program and enrolled in Hampshire College. Nic and David had regular phone calls, but one day, Nic stopped returning David’s calls. A roommate confirmed that Nic had relapsed. David called a counselor, who told him that “relapse is part of recovery” (167) and recovery is an ongoing process, not a cure. David felt slightly reassured but still nervous. Nic claimed to be sober again after the relapse. He engaged enthusiastically with his courses while regularly attending addiction meetings. After the semester, Nic returned home and admitted that he had been using meth throughout the semester. Nic then stole money from the house and left.

In...