Chronic drug users like Solomon are commodities, exploited by a growing world of drug and alcohol rehab operators who put profit ahead of patient care. Those aren’t the only contradictions in Solomon’s life.Īs broke as he is, Solomon is worth hundreds of thousands of dollars. But today, at 28, he’s grown up to become a shoplifter and a junkie, addicted to heroin and meth and benzodiazepines, one of the hardest drugs to kick. He wants to raise $20 so he can get high one last time before he goes into rehab.Īs a kid, Solomon was taught not to steal or use drugs.
And on this sunny Tuesday, Solomon is dragging around a bag full of cans and bottles that he hopes to sell to the RePlanet Recycling station behind the Ralph’s in San Clemente.
