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Rep. Patrick Kennedy Returns to Treatment for Substance Abuse
Fox News ^ | 06/12/09 | unknown

Posted on 06/12/2009 9:33:56 AM PDT by Sig Sauer P220

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 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," Kennedy said. He did not disclose where he was being treated. Kennedy, who has wrestled with alcoholism, bipolar disorder, an addiction to prescription drugs and bouts of binge drinking, has often spoken publicly about his recovery and the importance of removing any stigma associated with mental illnesses. He has been a leading voice in Congress on mental health issues. "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.

(Excerpt) Read more at foxnews.com ...


TOPICS: Government; Miscellaneous; News/Current Events; Politics/Elections; US: Rhode Island
KEYWORDS: 111th; addiction; kennedy; kennedyfamily; patches; patrickkennedy; substanceabuse
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To: Sig Sauer P220

The Kennedy family is like the Bonaparte family was in France: because one member of the family was talented, the others have a sense of entitlement.


21 posted on 06/12/2009 9:50:56 AM PDT by popdonnelly (The greatest crimes in history have been perpetrated by governments. You've been warned.)
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To: Sig Sauer P220

Kennedy left for treatment earlier this week, said a close associate who didn’t want to be identified.

Since the 2006 incident, the associate said, Kennedy often goes to the Mayo Clinic for one- or two-day stints without anyone knowing.

This time, Kennedy and his aides realized the stay would be longer and more aggressive and decided to put out a statement.

There was no “culminating event” this time, the associate said, and he did not think it was related to Edward Kennedy’s ongoing battle with brain cancer.

“He’s human,” the source said of Patrick Kennedy. “He has good days and bad days. This is a part of his effort to make sure there are more good days than bad days.”

http://edition.cnn.com/2009/POLITICS/06/12/kennedy.treatment/?iref=hpmostpop


22 posted on 06/12/2009 9:51:21 AM PDT by maggief (I)
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To: raccoonradio

The title is what Howie would refer to as “A Standing Headline”. I’ll be listening.


23 posted on 06/12/2009 10:02:00 AM PDT by massgopguy (I owe everything to George Bailey)
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To: raccoonradio

The title is what Howie would refer to as “A Standing Headline”. I’ll be listening.


24 posted on 06/12/2009 10:02:29 AM PDT by massgopguy (I owe everything to George Bailey)
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To: Sig Sauer P220

...I got a hunch he’s cleaning up because he wants Teddy’s seat...the Kennedys feel it’s their hereditary right to have that seat in the Senate....they’re such pukes; the whole lot of them!


25 posted on 06/12/2009 10:03:20 AM PDT by STONEWALLS
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To: Sig Sauer P220

I wonder what he was caught doing while under the influence to trigger another vacation in the Kennedy wing of the Mayo Clinic?


26 posted on 06/12/2009 10:07:59 AM PDT by DakotaRed (What happened to the country I fought for?)
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To: Sig Sauer P220

If he was a Republican, this would be on every channel.


27 posted on 06/12/2009 10:12:53 AM PDT by ozzymandus
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To: ColoradoUSA
stigma associated with mental illnesses,

It comes from being a liberal. Change your mindset, let truth enter and you won't need 'rehab'.
28 posted on 06/12/2009 10:16:49 AM PDT by presently no screen name
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To: STONEWALLS
he wants Teddy’s seat

I believe you are right!
29 posted on 06/12/2009 10:18:12 AM PDT by presently no screen name
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To: Sig Sauer P220

People of Rhode Island need to get rid of him!


30 posted on 06/12/2009 10:21:51 AM PDT by CPT Clay (Pick up your weapon and follow me.)
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To: Sig Sauer P220

It’s okay people. He’s a Kennedy and a member of Congress. He doesn’t go by the rules.


31 posted on 06/12/2009 10:45:29 AM PDT by freekitty (Give me back my conservative vote.)
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To: popdonnelly

Hear! Hear!


32 posted on 06/12/2009 10:49:49 AM PDT by yankeedame ("Oh, I can take it but I'd much rather dish it out.")
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To: Sig Sauer P220
A Kennedy checking himself back into Rehab ——

Translation: Got caught screwing someone else’s wife!

33 posted on 06/12/2009 10:53:57 AM PDT by TRY ONE (NUKE the unborn gay whales!)
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To: Sig Sauer P220

how is it that the common folk must be drug tested to stay employed and government officials just do whatever they please


34 posted on 06/12/2009 10:59:29 AM PDT by RIGHTWING WACKO FROM MASS. (Better to have and not need than to need and not have...my theory on gun control)
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To: Sig Sauer P220

If I were the cops, I’d check all waterways around Kennedy’s house ASAP-there may be a submerged car with a blonde in it behind his sudden decision........


35 posted on 06/12/2009 11:02:47 AM PDT by Mac from Cleveland (How to make a small fortune in the Obama era--first, start off with a big fortune....)
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To: TRY ONE
>>checking himself back into Rehab

There's an Amy Winehouse song parody in here somewhere...

36 posted on 06/12/2009 11:10:52 AM PDT by raccoonradio (This is Massachusetts. We're stupid.)
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To: Sig Sauer P220

He doesn’t need rehab, he needs a hobby. I suggest flying, chasing mob molls, or perhaps skiing.


37 posted on 06/12/2009 11:16:01 AM PDT by LouD ("against all enemies, foreign and domestic...")
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To: Sig Sauer P220
As a recovering alcoholic (13 years), I full well understand his ongoing struggle. Many days, in many ways, it isn't easy. It is a lifetime problem. I don't have experience with prescription drugs, but can't imagine it is any easier. Few people are aware of the level of functionality even active alcoholics achieve. Most of those I meet in the rooms are active successful people that were that way while still drinking. The bum on the street is the stereotype and not representative. Many of you work, associate and have personal relationships with folks you don't even know are friends of Bill W.or even active alcoholics. That's why “anonymous is part of the name. Personally, I care nothing for my own anonymity. I gave that up years ago.

I agree with nothing this man stands for, but wish him success in his quest for sobriety. I hope he is doing it for the right reason. If he is not, he will fail.

Ultimately, we alcoholics are responsible for our actions. We accept that as part of our being. At this moment he seems to have done that. As human beings, let's hope he succeeds.

38 posted on 06/12/2009 11:29:39 AM PDT by pennboy
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To: RIGHTWING WACKO FROM MASS.
how is it that the common folk must be drug tested to stay employed and government officials just do whatever they please

After knowing a few alcoholics in my life, if he has to keep checking himself in to dry out for a couple of days like this, there's little doubt that he's way past the point where his day cannot start without a blast or three. Without it, the Morning Shakes would be more than obvious.

I'd bet the farm that he couldn't pass a breathalyzer 90% of the time he is in the Capital Building, casting votes to enact laws that determine how WE live OUR lives.

39 posted on 06/12/2009 11:38:52 AM PDT by digger48
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To: Sig Sauer P220
This is not about being a Kennedy or having money - this is about living with the stigma of living with mental illness and being treated with disrespect by society. I know because I've lived with mental illness my entire life though I function like the general population because I take medication but for those who know I may as well wear a t-shirt with mentally ill written across it.
If I see a doctor for any reason, I never disclose my mental illness because they immediately forget that I'm there for possibly a sinus infection etc and zero in on my mental illness. Our society has a long way to go in this area. By the way, I'm neither a Kennedy nor am I wealthy.
40 posted on 09/04/2009 10:11:53 AM PDT by medley2
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