Preview

Analysis of a Million Little Pieces

Good Essays
Open Document
Open Document
1037 Words
Grammar
Grammar
Plagiarism
Plagiarism
Writing
Writing
Score
Score
Analysis of a Million Little Pieces
The decision to go to drug rehabilitation for most people is either forced upon them by the law, family, or ultimatums. It can be assumed that those addicts will be the least successful in their journey through recovery. However, another smaller percentage of addicts want to recover from their addiction because it is their choice to change their life style and better themselves. It can be assumed that their desire to recover will lead them to become the most successful patients. In A Million Little Pieces by James Frey, James faced the same dilemma: Does he really want to get better or does he want to drown himself in drugs? Throughout the memoir, James struggles to come to a conclusion while facing demons from his past that were waiting for him when he became sober. Not only did he have to deal with his past but he also had to deal with other addicts who frankly did not want to be in rehab. Another part of rehabilitation that was difficult for James was following the structure of the 12 Steps program which was adopted by the rehabilitation center. As James saw it, by adopting the 12 Step program he was simply replacing one addiction for another. There were also aspects of the 12 Steps that James disagreed with and refused to follow. He saw himself as being the exception to the rule and intended to get through rehabilitation on his own terms. Once he was released from rehab, James tested himself. This test consisted of him going to a bar, having the bar keep pour him a large glass of whiskey, and tempting himself. Now the question stands, ‘Was James truly successful and rehabilitated?’ In my opinion, I believe he was. James faced the things that drove him to take drugs and alcohol. He conquered his demons and was willing to change himself because he no longer wanted to walk the destructive path that he was on for any longer. Although he was very defensive and refused to follow the structure set up by the rehabilitation center, he was still able to recover.


Cited: Frey, James. A Million Little Pieces. New York: N.A. Talese/Doubleday, 2003. Print.
Continue Reading
View Writing Issues

You May Also Find These Documents Helpful

  • Good Essays

    Alcoholics Anonymous Meeting Report
    • 1301 Words
    • 6 Pages

    Alcoholics Anonymous Meeting Report

    I recently attended an Alcoholics Anonymous meeting in a comfortable house in Santa Monica, California. The room was occupied by approximately 70 attendees, and even more sitting on the outside porch. The focus of this particular day’s meeting was step six of the 12-step program. The sixth step is stated as follows: “We’re entirely ready to have God remove all these defects of character” (Wilson, 1939, p. 76). Following the definition and interpretation of the sixth step, the main speaker of the day came up to the podium to tell her story. This woman was a recovering alcoholic and ex-heroin user. She had been sober for 14 years before she relapsed, and as of now she has been sober for 16 years. She explained that she has struggled with alcohol…

    • 1301 Words
    • 6 Pages
    Good Essays
    Read More
  • Better Essays

    week4groupd 445interventionstrategiessummary
    • 1502 Words
    • 4 Pages

    week4groupd 445interventionstrategiessummary

    Alcoholics often have a difficult time acknowledging, understanding, believing or admitting there is a problem. In the scenario 12 video, “Alcoholic in Denial” this person is no different. The therapist uses several strategies to portray a need for Tonya to change. This is initially done through motivational interviewing. During the beginning of the interview the therapist asks open and close ended questions to better understand the client’s situation and why she is seeking help. Understanding the Tonya’s situation creates a pathway to provide the motivation for change. Motivating a client to change that truly does not see a problem in their life can be difficult. In the motivational interview the assessment is completed by clarifying the understanding of the problem and…

    • 1502 Words
    • 4 Pages
    Better Essays
    Read More
  • Good Essays

    12 Step Meeting
    • 1013 Words
    • 5 Pages

    12 Step Meeting

    During the meeting one of the things that they discussed was the success rate of Overeaters Anonymous: “RARELY HAVE we seen a person fail who has thoroughly followed our path. Those who do not recover are those who cannot or will not give themselves completely to this simple program, usually men and women who are constitutionally incapable of being honest with themselves. There are such unfortunates. They are not at fault; they seem to have been born that way.” A.A. Big Book, 3rd & 4th Editions, William G. Wilson, page 58. But according to the Harvard Mental Health Letter, from The Harvard Medical School, stated quite plainly: “On their own There is a high rate of recovery among alcoholics and addicts, treated and untreated. According to one estimate, heroin addicts break the habit in an average of 11 years. Another estimate is that at least 50% of alcoholics eventually…

    • 1013 Words
    • 5 Pages
    Good Essays
    Read More
  • Good Essays

    Summary Of Hooked By Dr. Lonny Shavelson
    • 594 Words
    • 3 Pages

    Summary Of Hooked By Dr. Lonny Shavelson

    The book “Hooked” by Dr Lonny Shavelson is a fascinating read regarding the rehabilitation of 5 individuals (Mike, Darlene, Crystal, Darrell, and Glenda) dealing with heroin, meth, crack, and alcohol abuse. In the memoir, Dr Shavelson follows these 5 participants through their everyday dealings with the network of recovery facilities in San Francisco during the “open-door” policy implemented in the 1990’s, allowing addicts to seek treatment if they wanted. From what I gather, he noticed the chaotic nature of these participants replicated and correlated the with chaotic nature of the rehabilitation system in San Francisco during that time. In the following paragraphs, I will attempt to explain the issues related to alcohol and substance abuse…

    • 594 Words
    • 3 Pages
    Good Essays
    Read More
  • Better Essays

    12-Step Research Paper
    • 1506 Words
    • 7 Pages

    12-Step Research Paper

    Once an addict makes the decision to stop using a substance or engaging in a detrimental behavior, the difficult job of sticking with that decision often becomes a daily struggle. This particular stage is called recovery and is a lifelong process. Recovery is the longest stage of addiction and requires extreme behavior modification and self-control. In the late 1930s, a program was created that became the standard for nearly all recovery programs still in use today. The program was originally called Twelve Steps for Alcoholics and is now referred to as the Twelve Step Program. The origins of the Twelve Step Program are unique.…

    • 1506 Words
    • 7 Pages
    Better Essays
    Read More
  • Powerful Essays

    Alcoholics Anonymous: 12-Step Program
    • 2160 Words
    • 7 Pages

    Alcoholics Anonymous: 12-Step Program

    The 12-Step Program is a uniquely, well-rounded phase of treatment that includes maintaining a close relationship with a sponsor who is experienced with self-discipline and long-term abstinence. The meetings also incorporate skills such as helping others, taking responsibility for recovery, sharing personal experiences, and accepting the existence of a higher power. “Research has shown that when group therapy either is offered in conjunction with individualized drug counseling or is formatted to reflect the principles of cognitive-behavioral therapy or contingency management, positive outcomes are achieved” (NIDA, 2012). The original 12 Step Guide was inspired and created in 1935 by pioneer AA members. A couple years later, the two founders of AA published a book based on their experiences, including both the failures and the…

    • 2160 Words
    • 7 Pages
    Powerful Essays
    Read More
  • Good Essays

    Aa Assignment
    • 851 Words
    • 4 Pages

    Aa Assignment

    They allowed people who were new or if it was their first meeting to introduce themselves and tell their story of the fight of addiction related to alcohol, they then opened with a prayer. They then proceeded to go over the twelve steps and twelve traditions of alcoholic’s anonomys. The meeting began with a man named Joe, who offered to read a book related to withdrawing from alcohol. Frank was in his late 50’s and shared that he was hooked on alcohol for 30 years, and had been sober for almost 4 years, thanks to the constant AA meetings like this one. He shared about the effects of alcohol in his life and how it took his wife, children and money away from him. Frank’s experience was a good start to the sharing session, the others then like him followed on with their stories.…

    • 851 Words
    • 4 Pages
    Good Essays
    Read More
  • Powerful Essays

    One Recovering Addicts Experiences
    • 1440 Words
    • 6 Pages

    One Recovering Addicts Experiences

    No one chooses to become an addict. We suffer from a disease that manifests itself in ways that make detection, diagnosis and treatment difficult. The use of drugs had cuts us off from the outside world. Our capacity to feel human was lost, living skills reduced, and our spirit broken. During a session with a substance abuse counselor I learned that I’m responsible for my on recovery. His recommendation was to try narcotics anonymous program. I learned by practicing the twelve steps, and the twelve traditions, recovery is possible. . It is important to practice all the twelvw steps and twelve tradition of narcotics anonymous, it is essential that you master the first three steps I now have eight years of clean time through the grace of god and my higher power. Practising the twelve steps and the twelve tradition I now have eight years of clean time. I nowo have eight years of clean time no one is responsible for my recovery ng skills are reduced and spirits broken. The capacity to feel human is lost. When I started counseling with a substance abuse counselor I learned that I was responsible for my recovery. The narcotic anonymous program was a guide for me to successful recovery from my addiction. It has been 8 years since I became clean. In the Narcotics Anonymous program, I learned a new way of living. By use of the three basic spiritual principle of honesty, open –mindedness, and willingness I have been able to stay clean.…

    • 1440 Words
    • 6 Pages
    Powerful Essays
    Read More
  • Better Essays

    Alcoholics Anonymous: the 12-Step Treatment
    • 773 Words
    • 4 Pages

    Alcoholics Anonymous: the 12-Step Treatment

    The 12-step program used by Alcoholics Anonymous is a well-known treatment method that’s used for many types of addiction, not just alcohol. Alcoholics are encouraged to “work” the 12-steps. The first step involves admitting the powerlessness over alcohol. The second step has the alcoholic believe that there is some type of a greater power working that will help aide the alcoholic to reach sobriety, as well as maintain is once reached. This step is an example of the religious influence on the 12-step recovery process.…

    • 773 Words
    • 4 Pages
    Better Essays
    Read More
  • Better Essays

    AA Meeting Report
    • 2347 Words
    • 10 Pages

    AA Meeting Report

    There was an individual who gave a testimonial. This individuals name was Maurine and her sobriety date was September 28, 2005, at the age of 50. She has completed her recovery, but continues to return to help others with her story and because she believes it helps her to be a stronger person. She grew up on the South side. Her father was also an alcoholic, but he was not an everyday drinker. Maurine stated that she believe that her father being an alcoholic had caused a lot of problems in her later years. She caused a lot of problems for herself that caused her daughter to stop speaking to her for five years.…

    • 2347 Words
    • 10 Pages
    Better Essays
    Read More
  • Powerful Essays

    Chemical Use Assessment
    • 3062 Words
    • 13 Pages

    Chemical Use Assessment

    His future career goals are dwindling because of the negative choices that he is making. Booze and negative social relationships have become distractions that steered him off the path of success that he once embarked upon. A repetitive cycle of partying Thursday till Monday and trying to maintain normalcy (crashing is also an option) Tuesday and Wednesday is ongoing. It is possible that he is traveling down the road of addiction. Those who are bound by abuse can live unfocused and disoriented lives. Over time, this can lead to divorce, job loss, and even the loss of child custody. Although drug abuse may be a one-time event, if one is not careful, the behavior can lead one down the path of addiction as in Jay’s case. It appears that he have a natural proclivity towards abuse and addiction because his father Don also had a drinking problem. Dr. Clinton tells us in the video presentation that some of the effects of addiction includes: “control problems, compulsiveness, narrowing focus, denial, tolerance and withdrawal” (Clinton, 2009). We see many of these components in Jay’s occupational…

    • 3062 Words
    • 13 Pages
    Powerful Essays
    Read More
  • Good Essays

    Grief In James Mcbride's The Color Of Water
    • 407 Words
    • 2 Pages

    Grief In James Mcbride's The Color Of Water

    James griefed over Hunter Jordan’s death, but he didn’t properly deal with it. His way of grief was to not dealing with it. He started acting up which is not unusual especially since he saw his stepdad as an actual father, and when he died unexpectedly, James didn’t know how to properly deal with his loss. It also seemed like he had some sort of anger adding on to the sadness due to his actions. For example, James was on the right track, but after his step-father's death, he “virtually dropped out of high school” and just hung out with friends. (6)” He also did immoral things like like shoplift and steal purses. (6). Because…

    • 407 Words
    • 2 Pages
    Good Essays
    Read More
  • Better Essays

    Comparison and Contrast Sonny and Charlie Sonnys Blues and Babylon Revisited
    • 1030 Words
    • 5 Pages

    Comparison and Contrast Sonny and Charlie Sonnys Blues and Babylon Revisited

    Struggling with an addiction is one of the most painful and dreadful experiences one could ever go through. It can start out small or simple, then all of a sudden it is a full on addiction. In James Baldwin’s “Sonny’s Blues” addiction is a force that is to be reckoned with. F. Scott Fitzgerald’s “Babylon Revisited”, paints the perfect picture of what addiction can do at its greatest. These stories can truly substantiate how addiction can put many obstacles up that are very difficult to overcome. It is well established in our society that overcoming adversity can lead to success in many levels. In “Babylon Revisited” and “Sonny’s Blues” both addicts have major struggles in facing and defeating hardships in their lives, but when they are finally gone life is back to purpose again. Despite a few dissimilarities “Sonny’s Blues” and “Babylon Revisited” , have a lot in common, such as, addiction, imprisonment, and salvation.…

    • 1030 Words
    • 5 Pages
    Better Essays
    Read More
  • Good Essays

    Nate's Dynamic Character In 'The Testament'
    • 534 Words
    • 3 Pages

    Nate's Dynamic Character In 'The Testament'

    When I was introduced to Nate O’ Riley, I read that he was in a rehabilitation institute. One of the reasons why Nate was sent to rehabilitation institute was to cure his addiction in alcohol. Nate eventually leaves the institute, but that was only because he was given an urgent matter. I noticed that Nate actually did not cure his…

    • 534 Words
    • 3 Pages
    Good Essays
    Read More
  • Powerful Essays

    12 Step Program Research Paper
    • 2209 Words
    • 9 Pages

    12 Step Program Research Paper

    The 12 steps were written in the overall guiding book AA uses called “the Big Book”. The program and book were created in December of 1938 by a newly-sober alcoholic named William Griffith Wilson. The only requirement for participation is a desire to stop drinking. The 12-step program is completely confidential and has helped many people recover from alcoholism. However, research has suggested it is not a well-developed program due to several insufficiencies such as creating an environment that inflicts low self-esteem. Many researchers such as Senior Research Scientist and EBT Coordinating Center Director Susan Harrington Godley, Rh.D., advise against participating in the 12-step program due to its ineffectiveness and inability to motivate clients to commit to sobriety. Godley writes in the Journal of Substance Abuse Treatment that other alcoholism treatment approaches such as the Community-Reinforcement Approach (CRA) provides alternatives to the more traditional treatment and intervention approaches such as the 12-step program by positively reinforcing sobriety unlike the 12 steps fail to do. CRA produced an overall patient engagement of 67%, whereas the 12-step program produced a disappointing rate of only 18% (Godley 463). Reasons as to why the 12-step program is not effective for everyone is due to the fact that it makes abusers feel…

    • 2209 Words
    • 9 Pages
    Powerful Essays
    Read More

Related Topics