What is James escaping from with his use of weed and alcohol? Chapter 16

James was trying to escape his past as well as his lack of identity. While in Louisville, James could be himself in another context; people didn't know his past. According to James, he received his real "street education" there. On "the Corner", Chicken Man advised him to go to school and to make something of himself, seeming to regret not having done so himself.