The film chronicles the teenage years of Jim Carroll, a promising high school basketball player in New York City, who dreams of becoming a star. Living in a volatile household and navigating the rough streets of the Lower East Side, Jim, alongside his close friends, finds solace and escape on the basketball court. However, his life takes a dark turn as he begins to experiment with drugs, initially out of curiosity and peer pressure. This experimentation soon spirals into addiction, threatening to derail his dreams and potential. The allure of the high becomes a relentless pursuit, overshadowing everything Jim once held dear.

As Jim's addiction worsens, his relationships with his family, friends, and teammates deteriorate. His mother, frustrated and unable to cope with Jim's self-destruction, becomes increasingly distant. The consequences of his drug use become more severe, leading to involvement with crime and a descent into New York's seedy underbelly. As his life spins out of control, Jim struggles to maintain his identity and the hope of redemption. The narrative provides a raw and poignant exploration of youth and addiction, showcasing the harsh reality of drug abuse and its capacity to destroy lives and dreams.