Excuse me for living is the story of Dan Topler, a rich, smart, suicidal twenty-something who dropped out of medical school to pursue his own drug habit. Well provided for and a bit coddled, he refuses to grow up or get happy. After a suicide attempt on the George Washington Bridge lands him in an upscale rehabilitation clinic, Dr. Jacob Bernstein takes him under his wing. The Dr. issues these commands: obey the no drugs rules, and join the geriatric temple men's group he leads-or face incarceration. Despite Dan's negative attitude attending the senior's club, he finds he's among accomplished men and becomes engrossed with their lives. Meanwhile, Dan's prep school friends continue to lure Dan to bacchanals. Dan's addiction and tired mind can't resist the drugs, booze, and women, until he becomes smitten with Laura, Dr. Bernstein's daughter. Resolving to turn his life around, he confronts his friends and begins to listen at his group session, eventually realizing he has more to offer and to learn than he ever knew.