Rep. Kennedy To Enter Rehab

R.I. Congressman Seeks Help For Addiction To Pain Medication

(CBS/AP)  U.S. Rep. Patrick Kennedy said Friday he was entering treatment for addiction to prescription pain medication, a decision made after a highly publicized car crash near the Capitol that the congressman said he cannot recall.

Kennedy, a Rhode Island Democrat, said he would seek immediate treatment at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota.

He announced his decision to reporters at a Capitol Hill news conference. He walked in alone, gripped the lectern, cleared his throat and began haltingly.

Kennedy, who has struggled with addiction and depression, said he had checked into the Mayo Clinic over the Christmas holidays and returned to Congress "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.

The Kennedy family has a long history battling alcohol abuse and Patrick is no different, reports CBS News correspondent Gloria Borger. Patrick Kennedy was in rehab during college and has been treated for depression. He also has a history of troubled behavior, including a scuffle with security at an airport checkpoint in May 2000.

Kennedy said his lack of memory of the car accident is what triggered him to seek professional help, reports CBS News correspondent Bianca Solorzano.

"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."

As he was leaving the room, Kennedy was asked whether he might resign, and he shook his head no. "I need to stay in the fight," he said. He did not take other questions.

Kennedy, nephew of the late President John F. Kennedy, was elected to Congress in 1994.

The congressman's father, Sen. Edward Kennedy, a Massachusetts Democrat, issued a statement saying he was proud of his son for admitting his problem and taking steps to correct it.

"He has taken full responsibility for events that occurred ... and he will continue to cooperate fully with any investigation," the elder Kennedy said.

The younger Kennedy said he hoped that his "openness today and in the past, and my acknowledgment that I need help, will give others the courage to get help if they need it."

Kennedy was cited for three traffic violations after his early morning car crash Thursday near the Capitol, according to a police report.