apartment. He groggily reached over to answer it

on the other end. "I've been trying to

was his sister, and he knew she was worried about him. But

, trying to sound convincing. "Ju

're not fine," Sarah said gently. "Mom and Dad are worried sick a

because of his addiction. But he couldn't face them, not yet

ex said, trying to sound firm. "I'll get my life t

ion. "Okay, Alex. But please, for your own sake

Sarah couldn't see him. "

ame wash over him. He knew he had let his famil

water. As he looked around at the mess of his apartment, Alex realiz

termination ignited, and Alex knew he had to make a change. He couldn

step at a time. He knew it wouldn't be easy, but he was ready to face h

l Kim, Addiction Specialist. He had never considered seeking

ons. The dirty clothes, the empty food containers, the b

hone and dialed the number on the card. It rang s

. Kim's office. Ho

acing. "Hi, I...I need help. I'm an

Alex wondered if he had made a mistake. But then Dr. Kim's voice

led. We can help you. Can

Tomorrow seemed like a lifetime away, bu

re," Alex said, h

a piece of paper. As he hung up the phone, he felt a glimmer of hope.

lex knew he couldn't do it alone. H

apartment, one small step at a time. He knew it wouldn

he hadn't felt in months. He was taking con

x's phone buzzed with a text from his dealer. "H

was faced with a difficult decision. Should he go through with the

ure hung in the balance. Would he take the first step toward reco