Conflict is a part of life, especially if you are a substance abuser. Rick Hyer, unable to hold a job, turns to alcohol to numb his sense of failure. When the drinking sends him out of control, he reverts to an elaborate scam to obtain narcotics legally.

The conflict between Rick and his wife Laura evolves around the kind of life she desires and his inability to stay straight. Much of the action centers on the drug scam. Seedy bars and graphic descriptions of dealing and using drugs are contrasted with the homey sameness of Laura’s life.

Bill O’Connor, Rick’s long-time friend, is the third major character. Bill’s conflict is his involvement with two women: his son’s mother, a wildly passionate woman he can’t live with yet cannot free himself from, and his less complicated live-in companion.