Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s Troubled Past with Drugs Revealed

From 14-year heroin addiction to alleged current psychedelic use, the HHS Secretary's history of substance abuse raises concerns.

Published on Feb. 17, 2026

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Robert F. Kennedy Jr., the current Secretary of Health and Human Services, has a long and troubled history with drug addiction. He has admitted to a 14-year heroin addiction, using cocaine off toilet seats, and allegations that he still smokes the powerful hallucinogenic drug DMT. Kennedy's drug use began as a teenager after his father's assassination and included suspensions from boarding school, alleged drug dealing at Harvard, and a 1983 arrest for heroin possession. Despite claiming to be sober for decades, new reports suggest Kennedy may still use psychedelics "for fun." His controversial nomination to lead HHS has drawn criticism from family members over his past substance abuse issues.

Why it matters

Kennedy's history of drug addiction and potential ongoing substance use raises serious concerns about his ability to effectively lead the Department of Health and Human Services, which oversees public health initiatives and the regulation of pharmaceuticals. His past behavior and alleged continued use of illegal and potentially dangerous drugs could undermine public trust in the agency and its leadership.

The details

According to reports, Kennedy's drug use began in the summer of 1968 at age 14, shortly after the assassination of his father, when he was introduced to LSD and methamphetamine. He quickly progressed to heroin, which he used for 14 years until he was 28 years old. Kennedy was suspended from multiple boarding schools for drug use and allegedly sold cocaine from his dorm room at Harvard. In 1983, at age 29, he was arrested in South Dakota for heroin possession. More recently, a journalist has alleged that Kennedy still smokes the powerful psychedelic drug DMT "for fun," despite claiming to be sober.

  • In the summer of 1968, at age 14, Kennedy was introduced to LSD and methamphetamine.
  • By the end of that summer, Kennedy was shooting heroin, which was his "drug of choice until he was 28 years old."
  • In September 1983, at age 29, Kennedy was arrested in South Dakota for heroin possession.
  • In 2025, a journalist alleged that Kennedy still smokes the psychedelic drug DMT "for fun."

The players

Robert F. Kennedy Jr.

The current Secretary of Health and Human Services, who has a long history of drug addiction and substance abuse issues.

Kirk Lemoyne "Lem" Billings

A school friend of Kennedy's uncle, John F. Kennedy, who stepped into a surrogate father role for Kennedy after the death of his own father.

Caroline Kennedy

Kennedy's cousin, who wrote a scathing letter to senators criticizing his past drug use and blaming him for leading his siblings and cousins down the path of substance abuse.

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What they’re saying

“My addiction came on full force. By the end of the summer, I was shooting heroin, which was my drug of choice until I was 28 years old.”

— Robert F. Kennedy Jr. (Rx and Illicit Drug Summit)

“The Politician still did some psychedelics for fun. He described how he waited until his wife was not home to go outside and smoke DMT... The DMT was laced in cigarettes a friend had given him.”

— Olivia Nuzzi, Journalist (American Canto)

“Siblings and cousins who Bobby encouraged down the path of substance abuse suffered addiction, illness, and death while Bobby has gone on to misrepresent, lie and cheat his way through life.”

— Caroline Kennedy (Letter to Senators)

What’s next

The Department of Health and Human Services has not yet responded to a request for comment on the allegations regarding Kennedy's alleged continued drug use.

The takeaway

Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s history of substance abuse and the new allegations of ongoing drug use raise serious questions about his fitness to lead the Department of Health and Human Services, an agency responsible for overseeing public health initiatives and the regulation of pharmaceuticals. His troubled past and potential current drug use could undermine public trust in the agency and its leadership.