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  • Essay / The Battle Against Drug Abuse in a Million Little Pieces, a book by James Frey

    Fighting Drug Abuse in a Million Little PiecesA Million Little Pieces is the memoir of James Frey, a reformed cocaine addict, alcohol, glue and more. This book served as his diary while he suffered for six weeks in the best rehabilitation center in the world. As the weeks go by, he makes it clear that he is completely desperate, but he prevails in the end. However, the graphic depictions of pain, withdrawal, and emotional dissonance portray the events as anything but a heroic story. Her story teaches us the self-fulfilling prophecy of addiction, the crushing force of self-doubt, and the importance of finding motivation. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on “Why Violent Video Games Should Not Be Banned”? Get an original essay Throughout his life, Frey continually falls victim to the vices that he knows will kill him. By the time he entered a treatment center at age twenty-three, his addictions had already reached near-fatal extremes. In fact, the medical staff at the facility were shocked that he was still alive. The mandatory detoxification that accompanies the treatment clashes violently with Frey's incessant urge to use chemicals. After many previous attempts at recovery, he had become accustomed to giving in when necessary. This would of course lead to a few more months of drug mishaps until he was put on a different treatment plan. Frey's story shows the internal and external struggles of addicts around the world. His struggle begins and ends with himself as the victim, from abusing drugs to lacking purpose without them. Frey must struggle to find his own way to deal with the consequences of the life he has lived so far and to determine what future he holds. Although he continues to try to recover for the sake of those around him, he never succeeds. It's because he doesn't see the point in saving someone who is worthless like him. In fact, during his six weeks, he often sees very little value in his own life. Everyone tries to reassure him that he will get through this – that he will live a full life, free of addiction. Eventually the message starts to get through and he finds a reason to continue. Overall, the force of his own self-criticism prevents him from achieving the true joy of recovery. It is those around him who make it worth it and who strengthen his motivation to continue life. Inside the rehab center, James is surrounded by people as troubled as he is; addicted judges, mobsters and even a famous boxer. The advice of all these “hurt” people has more influence than anything doctors or therapists tell him. He sees beyond the center's buzzing dogma about how to recover and finds the value in life. He still refuses to see himself as a victim of anything other than his own decisions, but he can understand why people think he needs help. As he follows the steps to recovery, he moves even closer to a past he barely remembered. This sentiment is revolutionary for everyone and clearly shows that rehabilitation is a necessary evil. No grandiose story of rehabilitation will ever compare to Frey's graphic accounts of his six weeks. Through the visceral, honest, and often bloody events that filled his time in rehab, we begin to understand the struggles of an addict in today's America. Frey deliberately shows the reader completely new definitions of recovery and brings a new fact about..