Plot # 53: The Fear of Falling Apart (inspired by Panic! at the Disco’s This is Gospel, suggested by sexylittlequeen)
Muse A has become addicted to prescription painkillers, but is very secretive about their addiction. They refuse to let their friends and family be aware of it, never using in front of them or talking about it, and maintaining a hardened philosophy that if they don’t admit it out loud, there is no problem. At first the silence succeeds. The people around Muse A don’t suspect anything except the occasional uncharacteristic irritability. As time goes on, Muse A’s addiction to opiates becomes more and more evident to those who are close to them, especially Muse B (friend, sibling or significant other), who begins to suspect Muse A is using drugs. Although Muse A still attempts to keep their addiction under wraps, the facade begins to falter as they become more and more dependent. Muse B is torn on whether to address their suspicions and confront Muse A, at the risk of having a falling out; however if they stand back idly and don’t take action, they risk losing them entirely. In the end Muse B decides to intervene, offering their assistance and support if Muse A will choose to admit they have a substance abuse problem and seek professional help.
Option A: Muse A admits they have a drug problem, but refuses professional help, instead asking Muse B to help them privately.
Option B: Muse A refuses to admit they are addicted and continue to abuse painkillers, eventually resulting in an overdose. Muse B discovers them unconscious and calls emergency services, saving Muse A’s life.
