Joe Clay is a successful, yet hard-drinking public relations executive in San Francisco. He meets and falls in love with Kirsten Arnesen, a secretary who initially prefers chocolate and gardening to alcohol. However, under Joe's influence, she starts drinking socially. Joe and Kirsten marry, and their life seems idyllic as they move into a nice apartment and start a family. Yet, the couple's casual drinking begins to spiral into heavy alcoholism. Joe frequently turns to alcohol to escape stress, and Kirsten follows suit, leading them down a destructive path both personally and professionally.

As their addiction worsens, Joe’s career suffers and Kirsten's ability to care for their child is compromised. The social drinking that once bonded them now strains their relationship, causing frequent arguments and creating an unstable home environment. Desperate for change, Joe attempts to seek help and takes Kirsten along with him, but their journey towards sobriety is fraught with setbacks and emotional turmoil. The film explores the deep-seated issues that fuel their addiction, portraying the devastating grip of alcoholism on both individuals and family life, culminating in a powerful examination of love, loss, and the struggle for redemption.