Friends, Lovers, and the Big Terrible Thing

Perry undergoes treatment at the Cirque Lodge in Utah. Here, a counselor named Burton leads Perry to consider his substance use in a new light, suggesting that he “like[s] the drama and chaos” of addiction (178). Consequently, Perry begins to let go of some of his childhood issues and resolves to be a better person. In the center, he tries to help other residents and sets up a ping-pong table for everyone to enjoy. Perry leaves Cirque Lodge healthy and ready to commit permanently to his current relationship. However, his girlfriend does not seem to like the change in him, and they agree to separate.

Perry becomes involved in addiction activism with his friend Earl Hightower. Hightower is a well-known inspirational speaker at Alcoholics Anonymous and also helps celebrity clients with addiction. The author meets him in 2001, and Hightower becomes his sponsor, saving his life several times. Together, the friends campaign to promote drug courts. They argue that non-violent offenders with addictions should be offered treatment instead of imprisonment. Consequently, Perry is awarded a “Champion of Recovery” award in 2013. He also goes into business with Hightower, setting up sober living houses. The author invests $500,000 and transforms his home into a sober living center called Perry House.