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Patrick Kennedy To Enter Rehab

Bump and Update: Patrick Kennedy announced today he will be entering rehab due to a prescription drug problem.

Kudos to him for acknowledging a difficult personal issue and dealing with it.

*********
Original Post 5/4/06

Rep. Patrick Kennedy, son of Ted Kennedy, drove to the capitol last night around 2:30 am believing he had to vote. He had taken Ambien and Phenergan for gastroenteritis.

He crashed his car into a security guard rail and was not hurt. He also got in a car accident three weeks ago at 10:00 a.m. He is adamant no alchohol was involved. He says the drugs made him disoriented.

Ambien has been known to cause both sleep driving and sleep eating.

In addition, researchers from the University of Minnesota Medical School and the Mayo Clinic recently found that Ambien causes some people to gorge on high-calorie food while sleeping in the middle of the night, and there have also been reports of sleep-driving and sleep-sex, with no memory of it afterwards. "It seems as though this so-called somnambulism affects a small number of patients and has not been seen with the newer drugs like Lunesta and Indiplon," said Amusa.

You're not convinced? Read on.

• Ambien was linked to 99 traffic accidents reported to the Food and Drug Administration between 1998 and 2005, according to an analysis performed this month by Charles Bennett, a professor at Northwestern University's Feinberg School of Medicine. Bennett notes that the total number of Ambien-related car accidents could be much higher, because, on average, only about 1% of drug problems are ever reported.

• Nineteen patients were eating in their sleep after taking Ambien, according to a June 2005 article in the journal Sleep. One found a near-empty tub of margarine on her kitchen counter, with no idea who had devoured it overnight. Two started small fires while trying to cook.

One more stat:

Ambien showed up in 187 drivers arrested by Wisconsin police from 1999 to 2004, according to a separate analysis by the state lab.

Some people are at higher risk:

Cramer-Bornemann says his research suggests that some patients may be at higher risk. In his study, almost 90% of sleep eaters were also taking antidepressants. Other risk factors could include sleep apnea, restless leg syndrome and a history of sleepwalking. He says it's important for doctors to talk about Ambien's risks before prescribing it.

My post Driving While Ambien'ed from March is here.

Patrick Kennedy did undergo drug rehab before college, but that was a long time ago. I'm willing to give him the benefit of the doubt.

He says he is cooperating with the police and denies he received special treatment.

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  • Re: Patrick Kennedy To Enter Rehab (none / 0) (#1)
    by Talkleft Visitor on Thu May 04, 2006 at 08:30:45 PM EST
    Or maybe it's genetic?

    Re: Patrick Kennedy To Enter Rehab (none / 0) (#2)
    by Talkleft Visitor on Thu May 04, 2006 at 09:11:36 PM EST
    The more relevant question to ask: If an average person (non-congressman, non-celebrity) were to get into car crashes like this - with pills involved - what would happen to them? I'd guess that the repercussions would be a tad more serious than they will be for Representative Kennedy.

    Re: Patrick Kennedy To Enter Rehab (none / 0) (#3)
    by demohypocrates on Thu May 04, 2006 at 09:17:45 PM EST
    So the effects can be worse than they would be if it were alcohol? This wasn't 'under the influence'? Any evidence that Rush drove under the influence? Just tryin to surmise who is the real danger to the general population. Thank you TL for showing integrity with the post.

    Re: Patrick Kennedy To Enter Rehab (none / 0) (#4)
    by jimcee on Thu May 04, 2006 at 09:18:11 PM EST
    Not to be crude but the idea that a Kennedy has sworn the oath against alcohol is uncommon in the least. That he was prescribed drugs that would substitute for his former addiction is not surprising either. Poor doctoring or politically driven proscriptive therapy, he is an out of control public official. Either way it's not for TL to defend him because he's a Kennedy or Kennedy haters to condemn him because of his surname. In the end it is up to his constituants to decide if they want this particular Kennedy to represent them. The whole Kennedy legecy thing has kind of reached its end and now the princes of the family are not only embarrassing but feeling a bit entitled. Ted Kennedy is the modern patriarch of his family who defines down the likes of thier own clan and depends on sycophants to pull the Kennedy clan banner out of the mud of thier own making. I hope Patrick gets the help he needs for his drug dependence and I hope that his electorate also considers the same. Not to mention it would be nice to see the Left stop lionizing any Kennedys just because of thier name. Even good families have thier sh%t bums.

    Re: Patrick Kennedy To Enter Rehab (none / 0) (#5)
    by Talkleft Visitor on Thu May 04, 2006 at 10:08:29 PM EST
    but let's get past the kennedy surname and into the effects of the drug. i whole-heartedly believe it. i was just talking with a friend of mine yesterday who knows someone on ambien who makes vitriolic phone calls in the middle of the night to his pals, and has no clue about them the next day. it should probably be taken off the market at this point. i'd say more but i'm sleep blogging right now.

    Re: Patrick Kennedy To Enter Rehab (none / 0) (#6)
    by Talkleft Visitor on Fri May 05, 2006 at 03:26:52 AM EST
    Two accidents within three weeks due to "drugs" and he still has not learned? If he did not receive special treatment, why was he not given a sobriety test at the scene, and why were orders given from above to give him a ride home? Does that happen to real people? I would guess at the least real people would have spent the night in the drunk tank.

    Re: Patrick Kennedy To Enter Rehab (none / 0) (#7)
    by Talkleft Visitor on Fri May 05, 2006 at 03:52:34 AM EST
    I called her my precious my chicken my hen, Post coital cigarettes I turned to her then. How was it for you, My sweetheart true. Er I'm sorry, let's just blame it on the Ambien.

    Re: Patrick Kennedy To Enter Rehab (none / 0) (#8)
    by Molly Bloom on Fri May 05, 2006 at 05:28:49 AM EST
    Alcoholism and addiction are diseases. To infer, as someone did upthread, that because you suffer from these afflictions you are "bum" is not only wrong, its offensive, whether you are a member of the Kennedy clan or are simply Jane Doe. Other than this 1 incident, what evidence do you have that he is an "out of control public official"? 1 incident does not make you an out of control public official. I would make this statement regardless of the officials lineage or status as a public official. Show a recent series of incidents, and I might accept that indictment. 1 incident is not enough. From personal experience, Ambien is over proscribed, it does not leave you restful as those damn commercials state, moreover, if you take it, or any sleeping aid for prolonged periods, your sleep will ultimately be more impaired (which might explain Colin Powell's UN performance).

    Re: Patrick Kennedy To Enter Rehab (none / 0) (#9)
    by jimakaPPJ on Fri May 05, 2006 at 05:36:57 AM EST
    What can you say? It's obvious that he was DUI and obvious that the Kennedy name got him special treatment. Shame.

    Re: Patrick Kennedy To Enter Rehab (none / 0) (#10)
    by Molly Bloom on Fri May 05, 2006 at 05:43:49 AM EST
    Wile E: What evidence do you have that the other car accident was ambien related? Were you ever in a car accident. Were you under the influence at the time?

    Re: Patrick Kennedy To Enter Rehab (none / 0) (#11)
    by Talkleft Visitor on Fri May 05, 2006 at 05:50:10 AM EST
    Let's see - the officers on the scene said he reeked of alcohol and the hostess at the bar said he was drinking and he won't respond. No doubt the Ambien is to blame. Defending drivers who are a risk to everyone of the road, no matter who it is, is a little irresponsible doncha think?

    Re: Patrick Kennedy To Enter Rehab (none / 0) (#12)
    by Talkleft Visitor on Fri May 05, 2006 at 05:50:34 AM EST
    why is this news? another way to move attention from the important issues: lack of healthcare, corporate welfare, and the decline of democracy in the us.......

    Re: Patrick Kennedy To Enter Rehab (none / 0) (#13)
    by Talkleft Visitor on Fri May 05, 2006 at 05:52:36 AM EST
    It is genetic, in the kennedy family and many other families. In rehab he learned that sleeping pills were a no no. They are addictive. Once an addict, always an addict. The only cure is not to use.

    Re: Patrick Kennedy To Enter Rehab (none / 0) (#14)
    by Jlvngstn on Fri May 05, 2006 at 06:33:14 AM EST
    Reeks of cover up, for shame. Now what if the police in Durham arrived at the scene and told all the lacrosse players to clean everything up and they would be back the next day. Sounds like that is what happened here but I will wait to see what comes of it.....

    Re: Patrick Kennedy To Enter Rehab (none / 0) (#15)
    by Slado on Fri May 05, 2006 at 06:40:27 AM EST
    brave Of course when a congressman does something stupid and gets special treatment it's news. come on. All those other things are in the news too. President Bush falls off a bicycle and it's news. Don't hear me complaining about world peace and high taxes. Is it so hard to believe that this guy might have been on drugs and drunk? That seems the most likely scenario but either way he was driving under the influence and should go through the legal system like everyone else. I'm not saying he should do hard time or have the book thrown at him but he should have his mug shot taken, go to court, plead out and do community service for a first offense like any other lawyer, garbage man or housewife in D.C. would have to do.

    Re: Patrick Kennedy To Enter Rehab (none / 0) (#16)
    by nolo on Fri May 05, 2006 at 06:53:45 AM EST
    I don't know if Patrick Kennedy was drunk or suffering from the effects of Ambien, and neither does anyone else on this thread. What I do know is that he's been open about his chemical dependency and mental health issues, and that he's said he asked for no special treatment. As for whether the police gave Rep. Kennedy special treatment anyway, I'm willing to give them the same deference that many here were willing to give to the Capitol Hill police who accosted Rep. McKinney.

    Re: Patrick Kennedy To Enter Rehab (none / 0) (#17)
    by ltgesq on Fri May 05, 2006 at 07:02:37 AM EST
    Whatever, well known polition gets break from cops. Did anyone get injured? anyone in intensive care? Shot in the face anyone? I remember how enraged ppj, wile, jimcee were back when Cheney wouldn't even talk to the police following his shooting accident. And cheney's prior alcohol arrests? Old history! Irrelevent! Nice to see they have remained so consistent. Myself, i think pat kennedy (as much as I like him) should have been checked out, and at least breath tested. Whether he was or wasn't drunk, is impossible to say now. My guess is that if the capital police arrested every drunken rep and senator for public intoxication that they could, regardless of party afiliation, that the DC funding would be driven way down.

    Re: Patrick Kennedy To Enter Rehab (none / 0) (#18)
    by nolo on Fri May 05, 2006 at 07:19:15 AM EST
    Very good points, Ltgesq.

    Re: Patrick Kennedy To Enter Rehab (none / 0) (#19)
    by Talkleft Visitor on Fri May 05, 2006 at 07:24:20 AM EST
    My guess is that if the capital police arrested every drunken rep and senator for public intoxication that they could, regardless of party afiliation, that the DC funding would be driven way down.
    My only problem with that statement is that the charge wouldn't be public intoxication, it would be driving under the influence. If the reports of the bartender are accurate and Kennedy was drinking, this definately has an aura of "cover-up" around it.

    Re: Patrick Kennedy To Enter Rehab (none / 0) (#20)
    by kdog on Fri May 05, 2006 at 07:44:05 AM EST
    I'm sure he got all the special treatment available...the white guy treatment, the rich white guy treatment, and the important rich white guy treatment. Unfair..yet an everyday occurence. What surprises me is how many of our politicians openly admit to using "ludes" on a regular basis.

    Re: Patrick Kennedy To Enter Rehab (none / 0) (#21)
    by Slado on Fri May 05, 2006 at 07:46:01 AM EST
    Nolo, Rep McKinney was not "acosted". She was repeatedly asked to show ID or her pin and when she got tired of being treated like everyone else she "acosted" the police. He half hearted apology bares that out. If you're going to make comparisons get the facts straight. If this guy is the victim of unfortuante circumstances so be it but alot of people who joked openly about Rush's problems are willing to give this guy mucho slack.

    Re: Patrick Kennedy To Enter Rehab (none / 0) (#22)
    by Talkleft Visitor on Fri May 05, 2006 at 07:50:10 AM EST
    Molly Bloom:
    Wile E: What evidence do you have that the other car accident was ambien related? Were you ever in a car accident. Were you under the influence at the time?
    YOur are correct. That one was probably just alcohol. To answer your other questions No and no. How about you? You ever been in a car accident and were you under the influence at the time? Ltgesq: I guess you did not read my comments at the time. Plus you are violating Sailor's rule here.

    Re: Patrick Kennedy To Enter Rehab (none / 0) (#23)
    by Talkleft Visitor on Fri May 05, 2006 at 08:26:26 AM EST
    Re: Patrick Kennedy To Enter Rehab (none / 0) (#24)
    by nolo on Fri May 05, 2006 at 08:36:22 AM EST
    Slado, you may read whatever you like into my use of the word "accosted." For me it's not as loaded a term as you seem to think it is. That aside, your quibbling over my word choice misses my point, which is this: If Rep. Kennedy did not ask for special treatment, and you think he got special treatment (and are mad about it), your beef is really with the cops, and not with Rep. Kennedy. As for Rush, if he weren't such a meanspirited hypocritical windbag when it comes to drug problems (both his own and those of other people), I wouldn't be inclined to make jokes at his expense. But in that case, my beef's not with drug addicts, it's with meanspirited hypocritical windbags who think they're entitled to special treatment.

    Re: Patrick Kennedy To Enter Rehab (none / 0) (#25)
    by roy on Fri May 05, 2006 at 08:49:28 AM EST
    Fox News has a picture of the damage to the car on its front page (it probably won't be there long) and it's extremely minor. Based on that, I'm not sure it's appropriate to say he "crashed" into the guard rail -- maybe more like "bumped into" or "jostled".

    Re: Patrick Kennedy To Enter Rehab (none / 0) (#26)
    by jondee on Fri May 05, 2006 at 09:00:54 AM EST
    I love how the usual suspects want to make it about "the Kennedy name" when its really about the Kennedy money, power and connections. Must not threaten power. Must not threaten power. Must not..

    Re: Patrick Kennedy To Enter Rehab (none / 0) (#27)
    by Talkleft Visitor on Fri May 05, 2006 at 09:32:47 AM EST
    The left wing protects the left wing; the right wing protects the right wing. What more needs to be said? We should all bow before Allah and ask for forgiveness. Europe and Canada are submitting to Islam and so shall America! (you ideological idiots)

    Re: Patrick Kennedy To Enter Rehab (none / 0) (#28)
    by Slado on Fri May 05, 2006 at 09:44:16 AM EST
    Nolo, Rush is at this very moment 12:40PM EST defending Kennedy and telling his listeners to wait for the facts to come out before passing judgement because he "understands" what this guy "might" be going through. Also what "preferential" treatment do you think Rush got? First off all if he hadn't been Rush the prosecuters never would have gone after him the way they did. See TL's comments if you don't respect my opinion.

    Re: Patrick Kennedy To Enter Rehab (none / 0) (#29)
    by Strick on Fri May 05, 2006 at 10:04:22 AM EST
    OK, this is painful to admit since I'm pretty hardcore Republican and no friend to the Kennedys. I've read enough about the side effects of this kind of drug to believe that what's being reported could have resulted from using it. I can especially imagine someone taking the drug and getting up at an unusual hour convinced that he had to be somewhere to do something important. I've seen people do stranger things under the influence of prescribed medication. And, dang it, sometimes even a Kennedy is innocent. This could be one of those rare cases when a sobriety test could have come to a Congressman's defense. Maybe doctors should warn patients taking Ambien to hide their car keys when they go to bed.

    Re: Patrick Kennedy To Enter Rehab (none / 0) (#30)
    by squeaky on Fri May 05, 2006 at 10:22:06 AM EST
    Josh makes a good point about why they are reporting the story at the Daily Muck:
    The simple fact is that when you have an alleged driving under the influence or sleep-driving story and it involves a Kennedy, the press is going to be all over that. What's new. But here's what does get my attention. There's another pretty tawdry story that's out there -- one about members of Congress getting sauced up at rollicking parties and set up with hookers by crooked defense contractors in exchange for help bagging pricey defense contracts. That's pretty salacious too. You'd expect the press to be all over it..... Yet, I'm not seeing any morning show's running with it.
    TPM I guess reporting about things that affect America, defense conracts, prostitution and corruption are in bad taste. Colbert was right. Thank you MSM for not telling us things that might wake us up from our bloated sleep.

    Re: Patrick Kennedy To Enter Rehab (none / 0) (#31)
    by Aaron on Fri May 05, 2006 at 10:29:46 AM EST
    I discussed Ambien side effects with my doctor, in relation to news coverage about binge eating. He indicated that the problem is the amnestic effect of Ambien, more than it "making" you do something - the person wakes up hungry while still under the effects of Ambien, eats, and doesn't remember afterward. Ambien can severely affect your coordination, but does not impair your mental functioning to anywhere near the same effect as alcohol, so I can see how somebody could take Ambien and think that they were okay to drive. (Particularly if they have a history of alcoholism, and overestimate their ability to drive while actually drunk.) It is a very bad idea.

    Re: Patrick Kennedy To Enter Rehab (none / 0) (#32)
    by jondee on Fri May 05, 2006 at 10:32:14 AM EST
    Thnk God Jessica Simpson wasnt in the car with him, an immediate halt to the WOT would have to be declared, newspapers would be all be forced to put out extra editions, and Fox etc would be instituting around-the-clock coverage.

    Re: Patrick Kennedy To Enter Rehab (none / 0) (#33)
    by nolo on Fri May 05, 2006 at 11:15:45 AM EST
    Slado, I never said Rush got preferential treatment. I said he had been hypocritical. If his personal experiences have caused him to develop a bit more compassion for drug addicts than he used to have in the past, then I'm glad he was able to use his recent bad experiences as an opportunity to grow.

    Re: Patrick Kennedy To Enter Rehab (none / 0) (#34)
    by kdog on Fri May 05, 2006 at 01:33:58 PM EST
    If Kennedy had smoked a doob and had a fender bender...Rush would immediately call for his beheading. But since it was pills...Rush is cool with it.

    Re: Patrick Kennedy To Enter Rehab (none / 0) (#35)
    by Slado on Fri May 05, 2006 at 01:50:36 PM EST
    kdog you are making a lot of assumptions. His main point had nothing to do with pills but that the media constantly mis-reports these stories and prosecuters and police are not consistent in how they deal with situations. Can't we all agree with that?

    Re: Patrick Kennedy To Enter Rehab (none / 0) (#36)
    by Talkleft Visitor on Fri May 05, 2006 at 02:51:54 PM EST
    Kennedy IS to be commended for coming clean about his addiction, and I wish him well. What bothers me here is the police. You can be sure that average folks who are suspected of DUI near the capitol are not given a ride home!

    Re: Patrick Kennedy To Enter Rehab (none / 0) (#37)
    by squeaky on Fri May 05, 2006 at 04:14:01 PM EST
    Sorry...Should read:.... between this thread and the thread about Porter Goss' resignation.

    Re: Patrick Kennedy To Enter Rehab (none / 0) (#38)
    by Che's Lounge on Fri May 05, 2006 at 06:06:39 PM EST
    Slado, Your point is taken. But today at least, Kennedy is getting more coverage than the thieves who got laid on our dime.

    Re: Patrick Kennedy To Enter Rehab (none / 0) (#39)
    by Molly Bloom on Sat May 06, 2006 at 06:34:28 AM EST
    Wile E, Me Neither. Incidentailly, some news reports indicate the Representative may have been under the influence with the 1st accident, so there may now be evidence to support your original assertion. I am glad Kennedy is getting treatment. Its a long tough road, but it is worth it.