Carrying On

James Frey is still recovering and learning to deal with the emotions inside his head in A Million Little Pieces. As a part of his program James participates in the Family Program. James' parents come to the clinic to take part in this program. The moment he sees them, James finds it difficult to continue this particular treatment. Their faces remind of home and the outside world that he is missing out on. They all participate in many therapy sessions with his counselor and in one meeting, James finds out he had serious ear infections throughout his childhood that went untreated. His parents also inform James that his grandfather had a serious drinking problem throughout his life. While his parents continue to push their belief that these findings are a major cause to James' addiction, James will not give in to their theory. He stresses that his addiction is not an illness, but a weakness. I think this shows James' growth as a person and drug addict. He is realizing that treatments and medicine won't necessarily cure him, his mind will. James knows he is the only person that can truly change himself and that his future relies on overcoming these weaknesses and find new strengths in life.
I feel like this point in the book (his sudden realization) is the turning point. He stops feeling sorry for himself and being destructive because he can't find a fix. Instead, James is understanding to start changing and to be hopeful for his future. It's a lot more comforting for him to plan and dream of a better future than fearing a relapse or failure. James has been such an interesting and dynamic character to follow, especially in these worst moments of his life.