He was arrested twice on drug-related charges: for cannabis possession in 1970 and heroin possession in 1983.
“I know this disease [addiction] will kill me if I don’t treat it,” he said. “For me [it was] going to meetings every day ... for me, it was survival.”
Von and Kennedy both lived in the Los Angeles area and were introduced at a recovery meeting that got shut down during the pandemic.
Kennedy, a former Democrat, ran for president as an independent before backing US President Donald Trump and joining his Administration as the nation’s top health official.
Following the interview, the healthcare advocacy group Protect Our Care called on Kennedy to resign, describing him as “the most dangerous, in-over-his-head, ill-suited person ever to lead such an important federal agency that has life-and-death power”.
Kennedy is a long-time vaccine sceptic and has repeatedly questioned the safety and effectiveness of vaccines, contrary to scientific evidence.
He has promoted debunked claims linking vaccines to autism, altered childhood vaccination schedules without the usual consultation process, and dismissed a panel of independent advisers, replacing them with figures who share his views.
Under his leadership, the Administration has withdrawn Covid-19 vaccine recommendations for pregnant women and children, and last month ended long-standing guidance that all children receive routine immunisations against influenza, hepatitis A and other diseases.
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