Representative Patrick Kennedy, the son of Senator Ted Kennedy, has announced he will enter a drug rehabilitation program at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota. Kennedy says he has a problem with prescription pain medication.
Kennedy made the announcement Friday afternoon, just one day after a highly publicized car accident which he says was caused by medication.
Just last December, Kennedy checked into the Mayo Clinic for treatment of depression and addiction and says he emerged from the experience 'reinvigorated and healthy.'
'Of course, in every recovery, each day has its ups and downs, but I have been strong, focused and productive since my return,' Kennedy said in a statement.
Kennedy says he does not even remember the driving incident or getting pulled over by the police. 'I simply do not remember getting out of bed, being pulled over by the police, or being cited for three driving infractions,' Kennedy said. 'That's not how I want to live my life. And that's not how I want to represent the people of Rhode Island.'
Massachusetts Senator Ted Kennedy, the Congressman's father, was supportive of his son. 'He has taken full responsibility for events that occurred ... and he will continue to cooperate fully with any investigation,' he said.
