Here's why:
* Internal Conflict: Alice's main struggle is with her own addiction. She's battling the physical and psychological effects of drugs, and her desire to quit constantly clashes with her craving for the escape they offer.
* Social Pressure: The novel portrays a culture of drug use and experimentation among teenagers, particularly in the 1970s. This social pressure, combined with the lack of proper guidance and support, pushes Alice toward drug use.
* Lack of Support: Alice's parents, though well-meaning, struggle to understand her pain and offer the help she needs. This lack of understanding and support contributes to her feeling isolated and alone in her struggle.
* The Drugs Themselves: The drugs, particularly LSD, are portrayed as insidious forces that prey on Alice's vulnerabilities and manipulate her into a downward spiral.
Therefore, while the novel does not have a traditional antagonist in the form of a villainous character, the combination of internal conflict, social pressure, lack of support, and the addictive nature of the drugs themselves creates a complex and multifaceted antagonistic force.