James waking up disoriented on an airplane. His battered face reveals a broken nose and several damaged teeth, but he has no recollection of how he got into this state or where he is headed. The plane finally touches down in Chicago, where James's concerned parents eagerly await his arrival. Shocked and disturbed by his disfigured appearance, they swiftly arrange for him to be admitted to a rehabilitation clinic the following day.
At the clinic's dispensary, James encounters a young woman named Lilly, who quickly becomes his friend and confidante. Together, they navigate the challenging journey toward sobriety and seek solace in each other's struggles. During a shared meal, James's path crosses with Leonard, a seasoned mafia boss who has also embarked on the arduous path to recovery. James is intrigued by Leonard's persona and finds unexpected camaraderie with him.
As James begins his detoxification process, he is thrust into the throes of withdrawal. The physical and emotional pain become constant companions, making every moment a grueling battle. He experiences agonizing nausea and uncontrollable vomiting, the torment of his body desperately craving the drugs that once consumed him. Despite these torturous symptoms, his friendships with Lilly and Leonard prove to be an anchor, offering him strength and support during this harrowing
phase.
Among the myriad health issues plaguing James, his damaged teeth present a pressing problem. The severity of the damage necessitates root canal surgery to rectify the situation. However, due to the medications he is currently taking to manage his withdrawal symptoms, the use of anesthetics becomes a risky proposition. Consequently, James must confront the daunting prospect of enduring the dental procedure without any pain relief - an additional hurdle in his path to recovery.
James finds himself in the grip of relentless withdrawal symptoms, constantly battling against the "Fury," the internal force that propels him toward the destructive allure of alcohol and drugs. Despite his ongoing struggles, James reaches a breaking point and makes the impulsive decision to leave the safety of the clinic. Leonard, sensing his friend's desperation, follows him and manages to convince him to return to the place that offers a glimmer of hope in their shared journey of recovery.
In a touching turn of events,James is surprised and moved when his brother Bob pays him a visit at the clinic. The visit serves as a reminder of the love and support that exists within his family, even in the face of his destructive behavior. James's parents also reach out to him, urging him to participate in the Family Program, an opportunity for them to engage in counseling sessions together at the clinic. However, James resists their offer, determined to take full responsibility for his addiction and forge his own path to recovery. This newfound attitude is partly influenced by his readings of the Tao Te Ching, a text that emphasizes personal accountability.
Despite his desire for self-reliance, James finds himself making minimal progress in his recovery. He struggles to engage with the Twelve Step program and feels incapable of completing the tasks assigned to him by his counselors. Frustration mounts as he witnesses others seemingly making strides in their own journeys while he remains stagnant, unable to break free from the chains of addiction that bind him.
In a pivotal moment, Leonard takes James aside to reveal the harrowing details of his own traumatic upbringing and subsequent descent into addiction. As Leonard shares his deeply personal story, his vulnerability shines through, moving James to the core. It becomes clear to James that he holds a profound respect for the older man, appreciating his strength and resilience in the face of adversity.
Amid the turmoil of the clinic, James finds solace in the budding romance between himself and Lilly. Their connection deepens, and they embark on a forbidden sexual relationship, a transgression against the clinic's rules. Lilly confides in James, disclosing her haunting past as a victim of childhood trafficking and the grim reality of being forced into prostitution at a young age. This revelation further strengthens their bond as they lean on each other for support and understanding in their shared journey of healing and recovery.
Despite James's initial resistance to participating in the Family Program, his parents make an unexpected appearance at the clinic. Determined to bridge the gap between them, they manage to overcome James's objections and engage in counseling sessions together. During these sessions, a startling revelation emerges - when James was a young child, his parents neglected to treat a severe ear infection, causing him significant distress. Furthermore, he learnsfor the first time that his grandfather had struggled with alcoholism. While James's parents and
the counselor suggest that these factors might contribute to his addiction, James remains steadfast in his belief that he alone bears the responsibility for his actions. As the Family Program nears its end, James's father, with a business commitment, departs from the clinic. Despite feeling a sense of disappointment, James bids his parents farewell on amicable terms.
Disturbed by devastating news, Lilly discovers that her grandmother is terminally ill, with little time left to live. Overwhelmed by grief, she decides to leave the clinic, prompting James to follow her. Sensing James's vulnerability, two members of the clinic's staff, Hank and Lincoln, offer their assistance. Together, they embark on a pursuit to locate Lilly. After a determined search, they find her in an abandoned building, where the grim reality becomes evident - Lilly has resorted to selling her body to acquire crack cocaine. Temptation looms as James is confronted with the choice to indulge in the very substance that once ensnared him. However, he musters his inner strength and opts to bring Lilly back to the safety of the clinic. While James is allowed to remain, Lilly faces the harsh consequence of having to pay for a new course of treatment - an expense she cannot afford.
James begins to confront his troubled past by addressing long-standing criminal charges looming over him. Initially anticipating a three-year jail sentence, he is astounded when his punishment is inexplicably reduced. James suspects that Leonard, his mentor and friend, has pulled strings behind the scenes to orchestrate this unexpected outcome. Although he never confirms Leonard's involvement, James is deeply grateful. As Leonard prepares to depart from the clinic, he selflessly takes it upon himself to cover the cost of Lilly's second course of treatment, solidifying their bond. Leonard shares a heartfelt sentiment with James, expressing that he sees him as a son - a testament to the profound impact their connection has had on both of their lives.
With James's time at the clinic drawing to a close, the impending reality of his jail sentence looms over him. Faced with the opportunity for redemption, he takes a significant step forward by confessing a haunting secret to a priest the day before his release. He reveals that a year prior, he violentlyassaulted - potentially resulting in the priest's death - a French clergyman who had made a sexual advance towards him. This admission weighs heavily on James's conscience, serving as a pivotal moment of truth as he grapples with the consequences of his actions and the journey towards true redemption that lies ahead.
Bob, James's brother, arriving at the clinic to pick him up. Despite the progress James has made in his recovery, he makes a request that raises concern - he asks Bob to take him to a bar. Bob is understandably upset, but ultimately gives in to James's persistent plea. They find themselves in a dimly lit bar, where James surreptitiously takes forty dollars from his brother's wallet. With the money in hand, he defiantly orders a pint of whiskey. Holding the glass, he contemplates his reflection in its amber surface before surprising everyone, including himself, by asking the bartender to pour it away.
Tragically, Lilly's journey ends in despair as it is revealed that she has taken her own life. Leonard, the enigmatic and paternal figure who played a significant role in James's recovery, has succumbed to an AIDS-related illness. These losses serve as poignant reminders of the fragility and complexity of life's battles. However, amidst the somber news, a glimmer of hope emerges - James remains steadfast in his sobriety, a testament to his resilience and newfound strength.