(AllHipHop News) Grammy Award-winning performer Macklemore joined President Barack Obama as part of the POTUS’ Weekly Address aired this morning (May 14).
The “Same Love” rapper took part in a conversation with President Obama about the seriousness of drug addiction and the consequences of abusing prescription drugs.
Macklemore, born Ben Haggerty, has first-hand knowledge.
Macklemore did a stint in rehab for drug and alcoholism addiction. He went three years before falling off the wagon in 2011, a theme Macklemore explored on his song “Starting Over.”
During the discussion with President Obama, Macklemore explained the loss of a friend who overdosed on prescription drugs at a young age.
“My friend Kevin overdosed on painkillers when he was just 21 years old. Addiction is like any other disease – it doesn’t discriminate,” Macklemore said. “It doesn’t care what color you are, whether you’re a guy or a girl, rich or poor, whether you live in the inner-city, a suburb, or rural America. This doesn’t just happen to other people’s kids or in some other neighborhood. It can happen to any of us.”
President Obama has had some success in Congress recently, thanks to the passage of several bills that are intended to fight opioid addiction. But the President emphasized more money is needed if Americans that are dependent on drugs are going to get the treatment they need to get sober.
“On top of funding, doctors also need more training about the power of the pain medication they prescribe and the risks they carry,” President Obama said. “ Another way our country can help those suffering in private is to make this conversation public.”
If you are addicted to opioids or any drug, the President encourages you to call 1-800-662-HELP.