As in many of Stephen King’s novels, alcohol use disorder plays a large role in Doctor Sleep. Much of the tension in The Shining resulted from Jack Torrance’s addiction to—and removal from—alcohol, a situation that was greatly exacerbated during the disastrous stay at the Overlook Hotel.

Even though Danny promised himself that he would never be like his father, as an adult, he has an alcohol addiction as well. While he does not become abusive—although he is shown early on in the aftermath of a bar fight—Dan uses alcohol for at least two reasons. He has alcohol use disorder, but he is also dependent on alcohol to subdue the effects of his shining. If Dan drinks, he has fewer visions, and the ones he does have are less potent and draining. When Dan decides to go into recovery, he faces the fear of losing the shield that the substance provides.

Even the shield is illusory and ineffective against the worst of Dan’s troubles. Dan does not receive any benefit from drinking, other than the temporary blurring of his nightmares. Alcohol addiction costs him steady employment, his self-respect, the chance at a healthy relationship, and more. It becomes a self-fulfilling prophecy that ensures that he continues to commit shameful acts, which guarantees that he continues hating himself, making it more difficult to face his situation and move toward recovery.