Patrick Kennedy Admitted To Medical Facility For Treatment

PROVIDENCE, R.I. — Rep. Patrick Kennedy, who has struggled with depression, alcoholism and addiction for much of his life, said Friday that he has checked into a medical facility for treatment. The Rhode Island Democrat, who sought treatment three years ago after an early morning car crash near the U.S. Capitol, said in a statement that his recovery is a "lifelong process" and that he will do whatever it takes to preserve his health.

"I have decided to temporarily step away from my normal routine to ensure that I am being as vigilant as possible in my recovery," said Kennedy, the son of Sen. Edward Kennedy, D-Mass. He did not say exactly what he was being treated for, and did not disclose the facility's location.

Kennedy, who has wrestled with alcoholism, bipolar disorder and an addiction to prescription drugs, has often spoken publicly about his recovery and the importance of removing any stigma associated with mental illnesses.

After a past relapse in 2006, Kennedy said he was more aware of the stresses in his life and trying to minimize them where possible. His 77-year-old father was diagnosed last year with terminal brain cancer and has been undergoing treatment.

The younger Kennedy has been a leading voice in Congress on mental health issues, championing legislation to require insurance companies to treat mental health on an equal basis with physical illnesses, when policies cover both.

The measure passed last October as part of a $700 billion financial bailout.

"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 needed," he said.

Kennedy's office declined to offer any details about the congressman's health or what prompted him to seek treatment. He sought the treatment in the last few days, his office said.

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"He takes his health very seriously and had conversations with his doctors, and they thought it was best for him to step away from his work right now and go in and get some medical care," said Jack McConnell, a lawyer, longtime Kennedy friend and Democratic fundraiser. "I'm incredibly proud of him for doing it."

He said no particular incident triggered his decision to re-enter treatment.

In May 2006, Kennedy crashed his 1997 Ford Mustang into a security barrier on Capitol Hill. He entered into a rehabilitation program at the Mayo Clinic in Minnesota. He agreed to a plea deal on a charge of driving under the influence of prescription drugs and received a year's probation.

He later revealed that he sought treatment for an addiction to the painkiller OxyContin months before the crash.

Kennedy also said he went to rehab as a teenager for an addiction to cocaine and has since said he was in recovery for depression and alcoholism. In 2000, he was accused of shoving an airport security guard in Los Angeles and trashing a yacht.

"I think most people understand that addiction is a disease, and it's a fatal disease if we don't deal with it," said former Rep. Jim Ramstad of Minnesota, a recovering alcoholic who has sponsored Kennedy in Alcoholics Anonymous. "People like Patrick and me need to deal with our recovery one day at a time, for the rest of our lives."

Kennedy continues to enjoy high popularity ratings in Rhode Island, cruising to an eighth term in last November's elections.

Giovanni Cicione, chairman of the Rhode Island Republican Party, said he was glad Kennedy was treating his illness, but added, "At some point, we've got to say, when is enough enough?"

Cicione said he thinks Kennedy needs to consider whether he's properly serving his constituents.

William Lynch, chairman of the state Democratic Party, said Kennedy has delivered "huge results" for the state and that there's no discussion of him giving up his seat.

News of his treatment was first reported by The Providence Journal.

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Associated Press writers Andrew Miga in Washington, D.C., and Ray Henry in Providence contributed to this report.

Comments

[Sunshine444]

He's actually a really nice human being. I know him personally as an acquaintance. Like Michael Jackson, he is far too sensitive a soul for the public eye and like MJ, he is constantly beaten down. People, stop with your negative judgments and leave these people alone. It's one thing to lie and cheat and steal and hurt people, it's another to fight inner demons (and outer ones in the form of judgment) and be scrutinized by the uncaring public eye. Bless him, bless his recovery, encourage him to be the best possible person he can be. All the things we should have been doing for Michael Jackson, one of the greatest humanitarians who ever lived.

[BillMelater]

It must be nice not to have to worry about how much it costs.

[wallyman]

He decided to "temporarily step away from my normal routine..." What was that? Go to Capitol Hill on Tues, Wed, and Thurs and staying high as a kite the rest of the time. You you go ahead and step away from your routine for now. You'll be back within a year.

Time for you to get out of DC and live off your trust fund.

[Ping]

Now this is selfish. Resign

[lbrty 2112]

"Do you know who l am?"

[jimrs6]

Man up and resign.

[SpiralUp]

Not that I hold it against him for getting treatment to ensure his ongoing recovery, but I have to ask: does his health insurance cover this? Because very few Americans have health insurance that would pay for this treatment.

[Okieborn]

Damn Patrich !!
Get Your Act Together or you will be political history !!

[recruitgal]

I think it's great that a public figure like Rep. Patrick Kennedy is being so open about his illness. Good luck to him.

[Aramarcal]

Relapse is part of recovery. Good for him that he made the decision to get back to treatment before his use spiraled out of control again.

[lmvd3]

That's got to be a tough thing to do, especially when you're in the public eye. Good for him for doing it. Wish him and his family the best working through this.

[ptarantino]

Unfit to serve the public.

The guy has already used up the sympathy card, please MAN up & excuse yourself from public office & take you're TIME & get real HELP.

Rhode Island deserves a clear headed representative.

[MsLiz]

Rhode Island had decided to keep Kennedy.

[joeyfoto]

Addiction is not all bad. Just imagine how much better off the entire world would be if W. had stayed drunk. It might not have been better for him or for his family, but it would have protected our country from a disaster. Recovery isn't always best for for everyone.

In this case, Patrick Kennedy is dealing with his issues in a responsible manner, A dual-diagnosis, like his, is a tough cross to carry. He has been very courageous in facing it and continuing to do his job. He deserves our support for that. I hope he's back soon to make the valuable contribution that he makes when he's well enough to do so. Congressman Kennedy is an asset to the world.

[chargerman]

But W turned it around. Patrick Kennedy continues to drink and drive. He is not an asset. He is only a Kennedy one like the others that gets a free ride in life.

[MsLiz]

What evidence do you have that PK continues to drink and drive?

W may have stopped drinking in public, but he did not address his many other personal demons. A lot of innocent people have died as a result.

[unstuffedshirt]

W didn't turn it around. He's the very definition of a dry drunk; he stopped drinking but continues the addict's behaviors. His refusal to address the emotional and psychological issues that go along with addiction -- h.e.l.l., his refusal to admit he's an alcoholic -- led to a continuance of the arrogance, refusal to accept accountability, anger, and other dysfunctional behaviors associated with alcoholism. Those in turn made the disasters of his presidency 10x worse than if he truly were in recovery and had faced the music about his own problems.

[jill2468]

Kind of like the support you have shown Pres Bush? What a hipocrate you are.

[Whinger]

Gone, gone forever, down the river of no return!

[marignymitch]

Alcohol: Curse of the Irish. Best wishes, Rep Kennedy.