How we cite our quotes: (Chapter.Paragraph)
Quote #1
[Schwartz] unclasped his backpack, fished for his bottle of Vicoprofen, tossed three in his mouth. He tried to avoid Vikes while thesis-writing, but tonight was a special occasion. (12.19)
This is the first instance of Mike using pain pills, and the fact that he has a nickname for them doesn't bode well. That means his relationship with them might be a little too casual.
Quote #2
Schwartz's temples throbbed with half a hangover. Eighty ounces of Crazy Horse wasn't part of his usual pregame regimen. (19.1)
This is the second time we're told that Mike "usually" didn't or "tried" to avoid drinking or pills. Sounds like it's starting to become an excuse, as the instances he does use are starting to outnumber those when he doesn't.
Quote #3
Today was going to be a long one: in his rush to leave the house, he'd left his Vicoprofen behind. Now, like a true addict, he emptied his bag, side pockets and all, strewing the contents on the bench. The sweep yielding two chipped and dusty Sudafed, three Advil, and a promising white spheroid that turned out to be a mint. He threw it all in his mouth, germs be damned, and downed it all with a slug of lukewarm Mountain Dew. (21.5)
Yep, Mike is a true drug addict. Only someone going through withdrawal would be this desperate, so desperate that he drinks warm Mountain Dew. Eww.