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Patrick Kennedy: We Must Treat Addiction Like a Chronic Disease

April 15, 2017

More Americans die from drug overdose than from car crashes or gun violence. According to CDC estimates, 91 Americans fatally overdose every day compared to the six who die from alcohol poisoning. Former congressman Patrick Kennedy, an addict in recovery, understands the continual struggle in managing addiction. His congressional career ended infamously when he crashed his car into a security barrier on Capitol Hill, claiming he needed to record a vote at 2:45 AM. He had mixed two drugs prescribed for sleep.

Now he advocates for better treatment of addiction. Kennedy says we can mitigate the opioid epidemic, but first we have to begin treating it like other chronic diseases such as asthma or diabetes. He talks with Soledad O’Brien about the challenges of addiction, his ideas for improving America’s healthcare and the secrets his family kept.

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