Patrick Kennedy temporarily leaving Hill for rehab
[cnn-photo-caption image= http://i2.cdn.turner.com/cnn/2009/images/06/12/art.kennedy.gi.jpg caption=" Kennedy said he is again seeking treatment for addiction."]
(CNN) - Rep. Patrick Kennedy, the Rhode Island Democrat who in 2006 checked into a rehabilitation center for drug addiction following a car accident on Capitol Hill, is again seeking medical treatment.
In a statement issued by his office Friday, the son of Massachusetts Sen. Ted Kennedy said, "I have always said that recovery is a life-long process and that I will do whatever it takes to preserve my health."
"In consultation with my doctors, I have decided to temporarily step away from my normal routine to ensure that I am being as vigilant as possible in my recovery," he said. "I hope that in some small way my decision to be proactive and public in my efforts to remain healthy can help remove the stigma that has served as a barrier for many Americans reluctant to get the help they need."
The Providence Journal reported Friday Kennedy has "entered an undisclosed medical facility for treatment."
After crashing his car into a Capitol Hill barricade in 2006, Kennedy admitted to an addiction to prescription medication and spent a month in a rehabilitation center in Minnesota.
- CNN's Dana Bash contributed to this report
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Is his recovery being paid for by the citizens of RI?
But he'll still keep his job making laws for our nation. It's good to be a Kennedy.
good for him. I understand getting addicted to pain pills after an accicedent. Its such an ugly demon to deal with. I wish him well, and hope he comes through this a stronger man. The pharmacutical companies really need to come up with a pill that can be taken after the very addictive pain pills that can help you ween off them. I have a cousin that almost lost everything, including a successful business because of them. It was NOT something that he would have ever done on his own. He has fully recovered, but it was long rough road. God speed Mr. Kennedy
Keep reelecting this guy, Rhode Island. Cocaine, DUI's, repeated prescription drug abuse, assaulting officials at airports, admitted addictions. Definitely who we want making laws.
The man needs help and he knows it. He is seeking that help and is not ashamed to make a public statement regarding that issue. You have to respect that in someone. Good luck!
I hope you recover and get your life style straightened out
I wish you the best Patrick and I hope you get the help you need.
Life is too short to be messed up with drugs.
A typical Kennedy....couldn't handle a real job in the private sector, and addicted to something.....
And he'll probably get re-elected. Somebody tell me again what's wrong with American Politics.
Good Luck!! It's a hard road but worth the journey! I know and empathize.
I wonder if we will be footing all the bills for drug addicts re-habs and relapses and re-habs, under government run healthcare?
Also if the FDA is not careful with how they regulate tobacco, there may not be enough people smoking to pay for the drug users to get re-hab. Do liberals ever think things through to there logical conclusions before they set out to save people from themselves? For that matter do they ever think ANYTHING through to its logical conclusion before they act out of foolish passion?
Of course if their plans fail they still have a few more months to play the Bush did it, or this is all caused by the Bush administration card.
Then they will have to resort to everything being caused by second hand smoke or global warming.
Good luck, it is much better to walk in willingly than to be dragged in kicking and screaming.
Congress gets most of the summer off so he should be able to fit this in without missing too much work.
People get time off for physical illness, why not mental/behavioral illness as well.
I have over 18 years clean and the one thing i found to be absolutely true, is "it will work if you work it." Another valueable lesson is, " allow someone else to run your life instead of you", meaning for the first seven years let others help you make decision and tell you what to do.
This may seem unreal but it does work.