doi:10.7916/d8-y058-jg95Oral history interview with Charley Lee, 1980Lee, Charleyoral historiesmixed materialDrug addicts--United StatesOpium abuse--History--20th century.--United StatesHeroin abuse--History--20th century.--United StatesDrug traffic--History--20th century.--United StatesMethadone maintenance--History--20th century.--United StatesLaundry workersChinese American newspapersChinese AmericansLee, CharleyNarcotic FarmCharley Lee starts the interview reflecting on early life in China during the early 1900s. Lee explains that due to financial need he immigrated the United States with his father and brother. He describes their work in San Francisco and sending money to his mother in China. Lee describes his introduction to opium in the 1930s and his usage habits. He discusses switching to heroin in 1944 due to opium shortages, and he describes purchasing and using heroin. In 1949, Charley moved to New York City, and he describes purchasing and using heroin there. He was working at a laundromat in New York, and he details his work and economic situation there. Lee briefly notes a visit to Lexington, KY addiction recovery hospital. Lee concludes discussing his methadone maintenance regimen and his life at the time of the interview