My difficult child addict daughter learned she had Hep C when she was in rehab, at the age of 25. She was given instructions (which she did not follow) for prolonging her health: healthy diet, stop smoking, stop abusing drugs, regular blood testing. She died of a drug overdose 2 1/2 years after her diagnosis. Her autopsy showed that she already had some chronic liver damage, which I can only assume was caused by the Hep C and the abuse she put her body through. I do know that it is possible to live a long and healthy life with Hep C if the patient strictly follows the doctor's orders. My difficult child daughter's former mother in law has had Hep C for about 30 years and is just now showing signs of illness from it because she has lived a healthy lifestyle. I know you can Google Hep C Forums and find others living with the disease who can give you advice. I am so sorry you have this to deal with, along with everything else loving an addict brings into our lives.