Former presidential candidate Robert F. Kennedy Jr. made shocking revelations about his past drug use while discussing his journey through addiction.
According to Daily Mail, Kennedy, who recently withdrew from the presidential race, claimed that using heroin improved his academic performance and cognitive abilities during his college years.
The 70-year-old political figure shared these insights during an appearance on the Shawn Ryan Show podcast while still campaigning. Kennedy explained that his academic performance was poor until he started using narcotics, attributing the improvement to the drug's ability to calm his restless mind and help him focus.
Kennedy openly discussed his struggle with addiction, particularly his use of cocaine and heroin during the 1970s.
His battle with substance abuse reached a turning point in 1983 when he was arrested for narcotics possession while en route to a rehabilitation facility in Minnesota.
The arrest proved to be a pivotal moment in Kennedy's life. He described it as "the best thing that could have happened to me," as the public embarrassment motivated him to pursue sobriety. Kennedy spoke about the devastating impact of addiction on his life and his inability to maintain personal commitments.
In a particularly candid moment during the podcast, Kennedy stated:
I did very, very poorly in school, until I started doing narcotics. Then I went to the top of my class because my mind was so restless and turbulent and I could not sit still. It worked for me and if it still worked, I'd still be doing it.
Recent allegations have emerged regarding Kennedy's involvement with drugs during his college years. Kurt Andersen, a former Harvard University classmate, published a controversial piece in The Atlantic claiming he purchased cocaine from Kennedy and his brother Joseph P. Kennedy II for $40 in a dormitory room.
These revelations have gained renewed attention following Kennedy's decision to suspend his presidential campaign and his potential nomination as Health and Human Services Secretary by Donald Trump. The appointment would require Senate confirmation, adding another layer of scrutiny to his controversial past.
Kennedy's stance on various health issues has already sparked debate. He has been vocal about his opposition to vaccines and has promoted unconventional theories about public health matters, including claims about fluoride in water systems and the relationship between WiFi and cancer.
The story of Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s battle with addiction and subsequent recovery represents a significant chapter in his public life. His frank admissions about drug use during his college years have resurfaced as he transitions from presidential candidate to potential cabinet nominee.
The former presidential hopeful's journey from addiction to advocacy has shaped his perspective on public health policies, though many of his views remain controversial within the medical community.
His potential role as Health and Human Services Secretary under a Trump administration would face considerable scrutiny given his history and unconventional health-related positions.
