Robert F. Kennedy Jr. Revolts Fans: Admits Formerly Did Something Beyond Disgusting While Claiming He’s “Not Afraid of Germ”

Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., 72, opened up about his past struggles with drugs during a recent podcast appearance with comedian Theo Von. On the February 12 episode of This Past Weekend, Kennedy spoke about attending substance abuse recovery meetings and why he continued to go even during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Kennedy revealed that he and other members of his recovery group started meeting privately after the official sessions were shut down. He described the group as a kind of “pirate” recovery circle that met in person to support each other. “I said I don’t care what happens, I’m going to a meeting every day. I said, ‘I’m not scared of a germ.’ I used to snort coc**** off of toilet seats,” Kennedy admitted.

He explained that attending the meetings was crucial for his survival. “I know this disease will kill me, right? Like if I don’t treat it, which means for me going to meetings every day, it’s just bad for my life. For me, it was survival,” he said. Kennedy also highlighted the importance of helping others in recovery, adding, “That’s the secret sauce of the meetings, and that’s what keeps us all sober. Keeps us from self-will.”

Kennedy has long been open about his history with addiction. He has shared that his substance abuse began after the assassination of his father, Robert F. Kennedy Sr., in 1968. He described trying LSD and opioids at a party and eventually moving on to crystal m*** and her***, which became his drug of choice for 14 years.

In 2024, during his presidential campaign, Kennedy even credited drugs with helping his academic performance. “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,” he said on the Shawn Ryan Show podcast. “It worked for me. And if it still worked, I’d still be doing it.”

Kennedy became sober in 1983 after being arrested for he**** possession while flying to Minnesota. He considers that moment a turning point. “It was the best thing that could have happened to me,” he said, explaining that it led him to commit fully to recovery.

Even now, Kennedy credits his sobriety to taking responsibility for his actions every day. At the Rx and Illicit Drug Summit in 2025, he said, “The only way I stay sober is through taking responsibility for my daily actions.”

Kennedy’s candid recounting of his past shows both the severity of his struggles and the long journey it took to maintain sobriety. His willingness to speak openly about his history during a public podcast highlights his ongoing commitment to recovery and his belief in supporting others on the same path.

Kennedy’s openness about such a shocking part of his past is both startling and important. It’s a reminder that addiction can affect anyone and that recovery requires honesty and support. What do you think about Kennedy sharing these details? Do you feel it helps remove stigma around addiction? Share your thoughts in the comments.