Clean and Sober

Clean and Sober

Year: 1988

Runtime: 124 mins

Language: English

Director: Glenn Gordon Caron

DramaRelationship comedyViolent crime and drugsShow All…

Over the course of thirty intense days, high‑powered real‑estate salesman Daryl’s cocaine addiction spirals out of control. After embezzling his firm’s funds, he awakens beside an overdose victim and, fearing police, checks into an anonymous rehabilitation program. Guided by the steady counselor Craig, Daryl confronts his dependence, forms a bond with fellow patient Charlie, and gradually embraces a sober, hopeful future.

Warning: spoilers below!

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Timeline – Clean and Sober (1988)

Trace every key event in Clean and Sober (1988) with our detailed, chronological timeline. Perfect for unpacking nonlinear stories, spotting hidden connections, and understanding how each scene builds toward the film’s climax. Whether you're revisiting or decoding for the first time, this timeline gives you the full picture.

1

Embezzlement and the night of overdose

Daryl Poynter siphons $92,000 from an escrow account for cocaine and risky bets on the stock market. He wakes up the next morning beside a woman who has suffered a cocaine-induced heart attack and tries to cover up the drugs they used. The police make it clear that they know what happened, escalating the threat of arrest.

Morning after the incident Philadelphia
2

Police pressure and the fear of arrest

Fearing arrest for the woman's death and the embezzlement, Daryl contemplates fleeing the country. He realizes he can't avoid responsibility as investigators close in. The looming threat pushes him toward drastic options.

Shortly after the initial incident Philadelphia
3

Escape attempt at the airport

Daryl goes to the airport hoping to flee the country to escape the consequences. His credit card is declined and he discovers he has no cash to leave. The plan collapses, intensifying his sense of desperation.

Later that day Airport
4

Radio advertisement leads to rehab

A radio program promotes a month-long, anonymous rehabilitation program. Daryl checks in, hoping to hide from his problems and starts the process of recovery. He believes the rehab can offer a clean slate.

Shortly after the failed escape Rehab center
5

Craig the counselor

In rehab, Daryl meets Craig, a tough but supportive counselor. Craig helps him realize he is an addict and that his life is chaos without structure. He introduces the idea that the best way to break old habits is to make new ones.

Early in rehab Rehab center
6

12-step meeting and sponsor search

During a 12-step meeting, Daryl tries to enlist sponsorship from eligible women but is rejected. The experience highlights the social obstacles in his path to sobriety. He remains determined to find guidance elsewhere.

During early recovery AA meeting
7

Richard Dirks becomes sponsor

Daryl meets Richard Dirks, an older reformed addict and bank officer, who agrees to sponsor him in Alcoholics Anonymous. They discuss the steps, and Richard pushes him to confront his past. The sponsorship marks a turning point in his accountability.

During AA recovery period Sponsor office / AA setting
8

Confession plan and fallout

Richard encourages Daryl to confess his embezzlement to his employer. Daryl agrees but attempts to shift blame onto the dead woman. The employer fires him, and he avoids explicit legal liability for his crimes.

During the confession attempt Employer's office
9

Daryl meets Charlie Standers

Daryl becomes attracted to Charlie Standers, a fellow patient who is addicted to alcohol and cocaine. Charlie is involved in an abusive relationship with her boyfriend, Lenny. Daryl's interest deepens as he tries to support her sobriety.

During rehab Rehab center
10

Daryl helps Charlie leave Lenny

Daryl persuades Charlie to leave Lenny and pursue sobriety. He hopes to protect her and keep their relationship on solid footing. However, her situation remains unstable as Lenny's manipulations continue.

During rehab Rehab environment
11

Charlie's relapse and fatal car accident

After a confrontation with Lenny, Charlie relapses, taking cocaine and triggering a tragic car crash. She dies in the accident, devastating Daryl and shaking his resolve. He confronts a renewed temptation to fall back into old habits.

After leaving Lenny Road / near rehab
12

Richard's sobering insight

Richard explains that addicts can't shoulder responsibility for someone else's life and that he couldn't have saved Charlie. The conversation helps Daryl accept limits in saving others. He rededicates himself to his own recovery.

Following Charlie's death Rehab center
13

A month later: sobriety coin

A month later, Daryl stands before fellow AA members and accepts his 30 Day Sobriety Coin. The moment marks a rebirth and renewed commitment to sobriety. The audience witnesses a hopeful, resolute Daryl continuing his recovery.

One month after rehab start AA meeting hall
14

Resolution and new beginning

With the coin as a symbol of progress, Daryl embraces a sober path and the possibility of rebuilding his life. The narrative closes on his sense of hope and ongoing effort to maintain sobriety.

End of the story AA hall

Last Updated: October 09, 2025 at 14:34

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Clean and Sober Summary

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Clean and Sober Summary

Characters, Settings & Themes in Clean and Sober

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Characters, Settings & Themes in Clean and Sober

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