This is the role that got Ryan nominated for an Oscar, and the film itself is a small low budget affair that only got limited release.  He's amazing as a crack addicted teacher in an inner-city school, who sometimes wakes up underneath his coffee table, or any number of places.  At one point he finds his cat dead in his apartment, probably from neglect.

One day after practice, a student finds him in the girl's restroom, high as a kite and freaking out.  She keeps his secret, and they form a bond.  Nothing spectacular happens, but that's reality and part its charm.