Summary

1980 began on a positive note for the author who writes, “I gave away all my meth yesterday. It’s either give it up or become an addict and lose all my hair and teeth. I never sleep or eat anymore. I never leave my apartment” (43). Despite his goal, Sedaris inevitably retreated to old habits, and documents his slipup later in the month writing, “I’ve been a mature twenty-three-year-old adult for one month. Last night I lay in bed from three o’clock until four thirty, starting to panic. Some meth this morning, some now. I think I’ll give the rest away, because after several days and nights it starts to get hairy” (43).

Although Sedaris is clearly aware of the negative side effects that his rampant drug use has, he chooses to continue living his life as a series of meth-fueled days. Often taking...