Go Ask Alice is set primarily in the United States during the late 1960s and early 1970s. The story unfolds in various locations, including suburban neighborhoods, high schools, and the counterculture scenes of San Francisco and other urban areas. This time period is characterized by significant social upheaval, a growing youth culture, and the prevalence of drug experimentation, which plays a crucial role in the narrative.
The protagonist, whose name remains anonymous, navigates a world filled with the tension of adolescence, family dynamics, and the allure of drugs. The settings reflect her inner struggles, from the comfort of her family home to the chaotic environments where she experiments with drugs. These locations not only ground the story in a specific period but also highlight the contrast between safety and danger, belonging and isolation.
Overall, the setting of Go Ask Alice serves to emphasize the challenges young people face, illustrating how external influences and societal issues impact their lives and choices.