Case Study | Charlie

I moved to Wyoming about three years ago to work in the oil fields. About two months ago I had a minor accident falling off a rig and hurt my shoulder. I went to the Emergency Room and everything appeared to check out but they recommended I see a doctor if the pain continued. Two weeks later I went to the doctor and found out I had a torn rotator cuff and needed surgery. Last week I went in for my pre-op appointment and they drew my blood. My liver function tests came back high and after some additional tests it turns out I have hepatitis C. I didn’t know I had it. I probably got it a couple years ago when I was shooting dope on a pretty regular basis. Now I only party once a month or so with friends from work. My life is not out of control. I had been using methamphetamine for about six years when a friend suggested that we inject it. I have considered going into treatment, but I’m not convinced that I am willing to abstain from drugs and alcohol. Working long hours and swing shifts makes quitting even harder since it’s easy to find uppers and meth on the rigs.

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