What are the motifs in The Sweet Hereafter by Russell Banks?

Substance abuse and the way life events increase that abuse is a theme the author highlights. Billy Ansel is a casual drinker before the death of his children, choosing to stay relatively sober in order to fulfill his obligations as a single parent and respected businessman. Not only does Billy chose to live a clean life, but he encourages other Vietnam veterans to follow his lead by giving them jobs and insisting that his community respect the war heroes.