Alcoholism Runs in Kennedy Clan, Son of RFK Tells Interviewers
A member of the Kennedy clan believes alcoholism runs in the family.
“I feel in many ways that I was born alcoholic,” Robert Kennedy Jr. told CBS-TV’s “60 Minutes” in an interview to be aired Sunday.
The 43-year-old Kennedy, a lawyer who has had highly publicized bouts with drinking and drugs, says he has discussed his problem with his two young children.
“I talk to them about my own experience and they’re all aware of that,” he said. “I tell them it’s in their genes . . . that it wasn’t something I became and I don’t know if the same is true for them or not.”
Kennedy, son of the late Robert F. Kennedy, was a teenager when his father was assassinated in 1968. He was arrested in 1970 for marijuana possession and again in 1983 after nearly overdosing on heroin.
His remarks came during an interview with six third-generation members of the political dynasty.
He was joined by brothers Rep. Joseph Kennedy II (D-Mass.), Max Kennedy and Christopher Kennedy, and sisters Maryland Lt. Gov. Kathleen Kennedy Townsend and Kerry Kennedy Cuomo.
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