Patrick Kennedy Again Seeks Addiction Treatment

Patrick Kennedy Again Seeks Addiction Treatment
June 16, 2009

News Summary

Rep. Patrick Kennedy (D-R.I.) has checked into an addiction treatment center, saying that he has "decided to temporarily step away from my normal routine to ensure that I am being as vigilant as possible in my recovery."

The Associated Press reported June 13 that Kennedy described his recovery as a "lifelong process," and said that he was more aware of the stresses in his life and was trying to minimize them. Kennedy's father, Sen. Ted Kennedy (D-Mass.), was recently diagnosed with terminal brain cancer and has been undergoing treatment.

Rep. Kennedy also expressed hope that his decision to be proactive about his recovery would encourage other Americans who were reluctant to get help.

Kennedy has wrestled with alcoholism, bipolar disorder and an addiction to prescription drugs for many years. Three years ago, after an early morning car crash near the U.S. Capitol, he agreed to a guilty plea that included entering a rehabilitation program.

Last October, Congress passed legislation that Kennedy had championed and which requires insurance companies to treat mental health on an equal basis with physical illnesses.

Kennedy enjoys high approval ratings in his home district, and in last November's elections he easily won an eighth term. However, Giovanni Cicione, chairman of the Rhode Island Republican Party, said that Kennedy needs to consider whether he is properly serving his constituents. William Lynch, chairman of the state Democratic Party, said that there has been no discussion of Kennedy giving up his seat.

COMMENTS ON THIS ARTICLE:

Posted by Debra on 17 Jun 09 08:37 AM EDT

I'm sorry to hear about Patrick. Recovery is a gift, not a way to promote self for money and talking on TV, writing books, ect. Where is the humility? I am a recovering addict, and my heart goes out to you. Keep coming back. (A recovering Addict in Columbus Ohio)

Posted by Alma on 17 Jun 09 09:01 AM EDT

I applaud Rep. Kennedy and think what he did should become an example for "all people" in an out of public office and in the greater society to address the personal "Goliaths" that continue to plague our lives. He is proactive which is a great strength.

Posted by Linda on 17 Jun 09 09:13 AM EDT

Wonderful that you helped to acheive making Mental Health iillnesses as traetable under insurance coverage! Great, I appauld you in what you are doing, good luck in your recovery! (from another addict in KY)

Posted by Noah Menerey on 17 Jun 09 09:53 AM EDT

It is essential to have some parity between mental health and the physical health treatment. I personally believe emotional health has a direct impact on overall physical health. Mental health needs to be taken seriously and we need to be diligent about removing the stigma that prevents people from seeking the treatment they need for addiction and mental illness.

Posted by Steven on 17 Jun 09 10:09 AM EDT

I don't think the GOP would have questioned Patrick's suitability should it have been cancer or some other illness. Shame on them. It proves there is still a world of ignorance out there as many still feel that addiction is a moral "shortcoming" not a physical/mental illness. More public education is still needed.

Posted by Bob W on 17 Jun 09 10:34 AM EDT

This guy was born super rich he never had to worry about money to pay his bills.He keeps falling back into doing wrong.I dont want a person like this in goverment.How many chances is he suppose to get.If the average guy messed up as much as Kennedy has no body would want or trust him to do a good job.But there are two types of rules in our nation one for the rich and famous and one for those who are not.

Posted by Lin Willis on 17 Jun 09 11:10 AM EDT

Patrick Kennedy shares the gift of his own suffering and the belief that he will only survive through the light of truth. His experience encourages countless others to know they are not alone, that the only losers are those that don't come back. Celebrate the recovery he has already experienced and join in prayer for his return to health.

Posted by Ginger O on 17 Jun 09 11:14 AM EDT

Recovery is a lifetime process. We "continue to take personal inventory". Kennedy is a good example of why we need addictions treatment. It would help if non-addicts got similar treatment. He exemplifies service, the underpinnings of recovery.

Posted by Kathy Deschner on 17 Jun 09 12:01 PM EDT

It just goes to show how much genetics play into this horrendous disease, and that it crosses all socioenconomic groups, rich or poor, and all levels of intelligence. Now matter how much we educate the public, there is a tendency to attribute this disease to a certain group of the population or to blame it on bad parenting. Patrick's struggle for sobriety reminds us that recovery is a daily battle -- no matter who you are.

Posted by Ed Smith on 17 Jun 09 12:53 PM EDT

I am glad that Patrick is seeking help again. Just because one is rich doesn't mean that they don't have problems. One who has reoccuring addiction problem should never give up, as one is never "cured". I just hope that Patrick isn't using the good he has done to hide the fact he has a addiction problem.

Posted by Carl on 17 Jun 09 12:57 PM EDT

Bob give it a break!!!! glad it isn't someone in your family suffering from this disease!! at least the guy is trying--whether he's rich, famous, or not. addiction, metal illness--they are equal opportunity destroyers!!!

Posted by Vickie on 17 Jun 09 01:58 PM EDT

My best wishes go out to Patrick. I agree with you Carl and Steven. Bob should give it a break and as you mentioned Steven, more education is needed. We once thought lobotomies were a method for treating mental illness. The more people are educated hopefully the less ignorant they will be.

Posted by Boogie on 17 Jun 09 03:28 PM EDT

It's a bunch of hog wash, White men have, since the inception of AA, used this get out of jail, get out of trouble angle of addiction and my question is when are we going to say enough is enough? We don't want to know about your weaknesses of your own choosing this is a private issue, just as the day you bought your alcohol to drink it. We weren't there then, and we don't need to be here now. Man up, handle your business! Patrick is up to something and we will see that come out later, if he hasn't already done something stupid and is trying to cover his a___. Addiction is a choice!

Posted by Julian on 17 Jun 09 04:24 PM EDT

Treat addiction. Save lives.

Posted by Carolyn on 21 Jun 09 06:29 PM EDT

You think addiction is a choice, Boogie? Why would anyone choose to get wrapped up in a behavior that results in misery and self-destruction? Addicts' brains are different, once they start drinking or using drugs they're compelled to keep going. It isn't much fun and it isn't a sign of character weakness, it is a medical fact. I do, however, believe that addicts have a choice as to whether or not they make an effort to get treatment or just continue in their self destruction. People can pull themselves out of drug/alcohol abuse but they almost always need help to do so, especially if they are also diagnosed with a mental illness.

Posted by sue s on 22 Jun 09 11:44 AM EDT

addiction is a choice?? that's such a dumn statement-who would CHOOSEto get entangledin a downward spiral?? my life has gotten SO much better in recovery,but i still have days i'm tempted to use again.i applaud Kennedy's choice to take care of his sobriety first-a hard thing to do in D.C.

Posted by Laura on 22 Jun 09 12:08 PM EDT

Patrick Kennedy exemplifies exactly what every recovering person needs to do in order to STAY a recovering person - take action and remain focused. My praise and prayers go out to anyone who takes their recovery as seriously as Patrick Kennedy does.

Posted by Tracey on 22 Jun 09 02:17 PM EDT

I would think another recovering alcoholic would be MORE understanding, not LESS. It takes all kinds I guess. His disease is not something he chose, nor is his family line or family money. Don't even get me started on the bipolar disease. I pray he finds peace; I pray that we all do.The stigma surrounding this comes from the old days of keeping it a secret.

Posted by Mike on 22 Jun 09 02:21 PM EDT

Everyone has an opinion...Here's mine: I applaud Mr. Kennedy's efforts, but question his motives. Is he re-entering treatment for help or to avoid trouble (again). I also question the sensibilities of the R.I. voters, to easily re-elect politicians who set a poor example for their constituents. When will they wake up? I agree with Mr. Giovanni Cicione, chairman of the Rhode Island Republican Party, that Kennedy needs to consider whether he is properly serving his constituents.

Posted by kengibson on 22 Jun 09 03:29 PM EDT

I hope Patrick uses his power to address some of the onging issues people have to face even after years in recovery..like automatic disbarrment,prohibition agaist participation,hidden finacial costs (discriminatory). Never goes away...arbitrary and demeaning.,...!!!

Posted by michele on 22 Jun 09 03:31 PM EDT

Patrick Kennedy is lucky that he is a productive person who is bipolar. My daughter is an addict who is bipolar and can't even get out of bed to take a shower. At least he has the money and insurance to find treatment. It is people like him who we need in politics to fight for more mental health rights. Only those who experience the disease know what it is like.

Posted by Rajiv Bhole on 22 Jun 09 04:57 PM EDT

Insanity is repeating the same mistake and expecting different results, the mistake being returning again and again to treatment centers that have no cure for addiction. The cure for addiction is to find some way to control or eliminate anger and fear from our lives. Too bad, that medicine and psychology has not yet been able to do anything about this problem. Not that the solution does not exist, but only because of people's greed for more money. If addicts were cured the insurance and health care providers would lose billions. The original simple psychotherapy (analysis) program of AA that can be finished in just a few hours is the best solution for problems with emotion. Too bad AA's original program got corrupted into the 12 Step program, probably because NY State had passed a Law in 1926 making analysis by non-doctors illegal. Another problem is that doctors rely more on pharmacology than physiology in treating patients. Adrenaline is produced from dopamine, which requires L-Tyrosine for its production. Stress causes a lot of adrenaline to be released, leading to the depletion of dopamine and addictions and also depression. The solution is therefore not anti-depressants but taking the amino acid Tyrosine. You can google search this, or my blog, to know more about it. I wish Patrick the best of health.

Posted by Rajiv Bhole on 22 Jun 09 05:22 PM EDT

Bipolar is surely a debilitating condition. But the trouble with many psychiatrists is that they fail to realize that the symptoms of drug/alcohol withdrawals are similar to that of bipolar. So they hastily diagnose an addict as bipolar. It is only possible to truly diagnose and addict as a bipolar after he has stopped using and drinking for at least about six months. When people realize this and how horrible it is for a bipolar, they will start appreciating the troubles of an addict and his reluctance to giving up his addiction, and maybe start empathizing with him rather than blaming and condemning him.

Posted by Denny. on 23 Jun 09 01:39 AM EDT

Having gone to several meetings, I asked a very old timer for help. Since taking Step 3 in Alcoholics Anonymous, page 63, lines 13-31, with him in June 1987, I was first relieved of major depression, and have not thought of suicide even once. I take no medication, for anything, except aspirin on occasion. Having pursued the next 40 pages with vigor, I have not had a drink or other drug since June 1988. With the next 100 pages came being with the same wonderful woman since June 1992, marriage in June 1995, better jobs, and better homes. With the next 200 pages, since I used the October 1948 printing with 200 pages less than current editions for I generally hate to read, I have not smoked tobacco since July 2007. I wish everyone great success through that book. If not good enough for a beginning, would we have ever heard of the 12 Steps?

Posted by Shattah206 on 23 Jun 09 11:22 AM EDT

I am absolutely supportive of anyone who takes proactive steps to protect their sobriety . . . but I don't believe this sunshine story for a minute. What Kennedyesque drama occurred behind the scenes to prompt this?

Posted by Boogie on 23 Jun 09 07:11 PM EDT

Steppers step together. This is reason of the cult mentallity. Until 12 step programs are eliminated and truth be told that anyone who makes the decision to do drugs or any other substance does so on his or her own free will and until that person decides to stop all the programs in the world won't help. And this bull about "relapse" give me a break! A child can figure that one out to be a fraud. As long as you don't get caught doing something wrong while under the influence, you keep on doing it, but when you get caught, suddenly you have this disease. Right on for the Steppers after all they have a nearly eighty years of telling this lie, they can't stop now. What excuse would they use for doing knuckleheaded stuff. Especially getting out of jail free and restoring their reputations until they so call "relapse" . Wake up America. We in California are getting the message that why we voted dow Prop 5 and if I have anything to do with it Pro 36 will be out. We wasting billions of tax payer dollars on people's bad habit, money which could spent on kids programs teaching them a positive and more productive way to live. These slackers are nothing more that modern con men, pimping the system.

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