NASHVILLE, Tenn. – In a deeply personal and wide-ranging address at the Rx and Illicit Drug Summit in Nashville two days ago, U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. confronted the nation’s drug addiction crisis by sharing his own journey through heroin addiction, recovery, and spiritual awakening.
Speaking before an audience of nearly 3,000 health care professionals, law enforcement officials, and community leaders, Kennedy called for a renewed focus on prevention, community connection, and practical support for those struggling with substance use disorders.
A Personal Story of Struggle and Recovery
Kennedy’s speech marked a rare moment of vulnerability from a senior government official, as he recounted his 14-year battle with heroin addiction that began in his teenage years. He described addiction as “a source of misery, but also a symptom of misery,” emphasizing the internal emptiness and pain that often drive individuals toward substance use.
“Every addict feels that way in one way or another – that they have to fix what’s wrong with them, and the only thing that works are drugs. And so threats that you might die, that you’re going to ruin your life are completely meaningless,” Kennedy told the crowd.
He traced his first encounter with drugs to the summer after his father’s assassination in 1968, when he was introduced to LSD and then opioids by neighborhood acquaintances. “By the end of the summer, I was shooting heroin, which was my drug of choice the next 14 years,” he recalled.
Kennedy described the cycle of addiction as one of broken promises and self-betrayal. “I didn’t want to be someone who woke up every morning thinking about drugs,” he said, noting his “total incapacity to keep contracts with myself” during the depths of his addiction.
His recovery began after a 1983 arrest and subsequent treatment, which he credited with saving his life. Kennedy said his path to sobriety involved a profound spiritual awakening, inspired in part by the writings of Swiss psychiatrist Carl Jung. “I knew I needed a spiritual awakening,” he said. “I did not want to be that person”.
Prevention, Community, and Practical Solutions
While Kennedy acknowledged the value of medication-assisted treatments such as Suboxone and methadone, and the importance of making rehabilitation centers available to anyone ready to seek help, he placed particular emphasis on prevention.
“We have this whole generation of kids who’ve lost hope in their future,” Kennedy said. “They’ve lost their ties to the community”.
He argued that the erosion of familial, communal, and spiritual bonds is a root cause of the addiction crisis. Kennedy suggested policy reforms to help restore these connections, including educating parents about the value of shared meals without cellphones and creating service opportunities for youth.
Kennedy also proposed that banning cellphones in schools could help reduce drug addiction, citing a Virginia school that saw improved academic performance, reduced violence, and increased student interaction after implementing such a policy.
Faith, Responsibility, and the Role of Spirituality
Throughout his speech, Kennedy referenced God and spirituality more than 20 times, framing faith as a crucial element in recovery for many individuals. He advocated for daily practices that foster purpose and connection, such as waking up each morning and praying, “Please make me useful to another human being today”.
He acknowledged, however, that spirituality is not a universal solution. University of Washington researcher Caleb Banta-Green, who was escorted out after interrupting the speech, later commented, “Spirituality is an essential part of recovery for some people; 12 step works great for the people it works for, however, it should never be mandated. We have decades of science-based interventions that are proven effective for supporting recovery and reducing death from substance use disorder. The problem we have is massive underfunding”.
Kennedy’s speech was interrupted several times by hecklers, some of whom criticized his controversial views on vaccines and public health. He responded by emphasizing the importance of learning from all interactions, even those marked by disagreement.
Expert Perspectives: Medical and Social Work Voices
To provide additional context to Kennedy’s remarks, medical and social work professionals weighed in on the complexities of addiction and recovery.
Kosta Condous, a Medical Assistant and Co-founder at Higher Purpose Recovery, highlighted the importance of accessible, evidence-based treatment:
“Medication-assisted treatment like Suboxone and methadone can be life-saving for many of our patients. But what’s equally important is a supportive environment where people feel seen and valued. Addiction is not just about the drugs – it’s about the pain and isolation that lead people there. We have to treat the whole person, not just the symptoms,” Condous said.
Licensed social worker, Stephanie Behrens, who specializes in substance use disorders, emphasized the need for individualized, compassionate care:
“Building trust is the foundation of recovery. Many people struggling with addiction have experienced trauma or stigma, and it takes time to help them believe in themselves again. Our job as social workers is to walk alongside them, celebrate every small victory, and adjust our approach as their needs change. Recovery is a journey, not a destination – and every step forward matters,” Behrens explained.
The Role of Social Workers in Addiction Recovery
Social workers play a critical role in addressing substance use disorders, providing psychosocial assessments, individualized treatment plans, and ongoing support. Their work often includes:
- Building trust and rapport with clients to foster openness and engagement.
- Collaborating with multidisciplinary teams to develop comprehensive treatment plans tailored to each individual’s needs.
- Offering individual and group counseling, referrals to healthcare providers, and connections to community resources.
- Evaluating progress and adjusting treatment strategies as needed, celebrating small victories to maintain motivation.
Social workers are also instrumental in removing barriers to treatment, addressing co-occurring mental health or physical health conditions, and advocating for harm reduction and recovery efforts.
A Call to Action
Kennedy’s address resonated with many in attendance, who applauded his candor and advocacy for both practical and preventive measures. He concluded by urging policymakers, families, and communities to focus on rebuilding the connections that give young people hope and purpose.
“The best way to overcome depression and hopelessness is to wake up each morning and pray, ‘please make me useful to another human being today,’” Kennedy said.
As the nation continues to grapple with the opioid epidemic and rising overdose deaths, Kennedy’s speech underscored the need for a multifaceted approach that combines evidence-based treatment, community support, and renewed attention to the social and spiritual factors that shape individual lives.
Looking Ahead
While Kennedy did not address recent budget cuts or agency reorganizations that some experts fear could undermine progress, his speech marked a call for unity and compassion in the fight against addiction. By sharing his own struggles and recovery, he sought to reduce stigma and inspire hope – both for those currently suffering and for the communities working to support them.
The challenge ahead, as echoed by medical and social work professionals, is to ensure that every person struggling with addiction has access to the resources, relationships, and opportunities they need to reclaim their lives.
