RMA, RFK and the San Patrignano Experiment

Episode 142: RMA, RFK and the San Patrignano Experiment

In this episode of Recovery in the Middle Ages, we take a look at Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s plan to address addiction in America, which leans heavily on his personal recovery experience and the model of Italy’s San Patrignano rehab center. Kennedy’s proposal centers around creating “wellness farms” across rural America, where people struggling with addiction can live and work in therapeutic communities, focusing on organic farming and communal living as an alternative to incarceration. This approach is inspired by San Patrignano’s long-term, work-based rehab program, which has seen success for those who stick with it. But there’s a lot of pushback, as critics point out the lack of medically assisted treatment and the potential for coercive practices, which have plagued San Patrignano in the past. Kennedy’s skepticism toward pharmaceutical treatments like methadone and his promotion of alternative therapies like cannabis and psychedelics are also raising eyebrows, with many worried that his approach could undermine evidence-based practices that have proven effective in addiction treatment.

Recovery in the News:

A study on fruit flies has identified that acetylcholine, a brain signal integral to memory and motivation, plays a crucial role in alcohol-induced sleep disturbances. 

A recent survey indicates that nearly half of Americans, particularly younger generations, plan to reduce their alcohol consumption in 2025, driven by health concerns and the rising popularity of non-alcoholic alternatives. 

*This podcast does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or treatment.*

Please remember to SUBSCRIBE to the podcast on your favorite platform to get the latest episode delivered right to your devices as soon as it’s released.

LINKS:

www.soberliningsplaybook.com

We are a listener-supported podcast. If you like what we’re doing here at RMA and want to support the show, JOIN THE RECOVERY IN THE MIDDLE AGES PATREON 

Our sole mission is to help other people achieve sobriety and become their best, most authentic selves. As little as $3 a month makes a big difference and helps us keep the lights on. 

https://www.patreon.com/RecoveryintheMiddleAges

As always, we thank you for your support.

 RMA ON YOUTUBE

FOLLOW US ON TWITTER 

Facebook Page

We also have a Facebook Group! Request to join the group. It’s a private space for continuing the discussion of what Nat and Mike talk about on the podcast. Hope to see you there.

PLEASE leave us a 5 star review on I-Tunes if you’re enjoying the show and SUBSCRIBE to get the latest episodes. 

Email:

MikeR@middleagesrecovery.com

Natx@middleagesrecovery.com

We all have a story. Tell us yours and we’ll share it on the show!

E-Mail your story to miker@middleagesrecovery.com

If you’re in trouble with substance abuse and need help, reach out. There are thousands of people who have put problems with addiction in their rear-view mirrors and you can be one of them. While we neither endorse nor condemn any particular program, the sheer number of available AA and NA meetings suggest that reaching out to those organizations would be a good first step, (but maybe not the last step), on your road to recovery.  

https://www.aa.org/

https://www.na.org/meetingsearch/

Marijuana Anonymous (just in case):

This Naked Mind