“WASHINGTON, D.C. — A Seattle celebrity is teaming up with President Obama to talk about a problem affecting too many Americans.
“I’ve got a special guest with me this week – Macklemore. For those of you who don’t share the same love for hip-hop, he’s a Grammy-winning artist, but he’s also an advocate who’s giving voice to a disease we too often just whisper about: the disease of addiction,” said President Obama during his weekly White House address.
The rapper talked about losing his friend to an overdose on painkillers.
He also opened up about his own experience with substance abuse and recovery.
“I take this personally. I abused prescription drugs and battled addiction. If I hadn’t gotten the help I needed when I needed it, I might not be here today. And I want to help others facing the same challenges I did.”
The House of Representatives passed several bills on opioids this week. But the President says it’s not enough unless they approve more funding to expand treatment.” KING 5 NEWS-MAY 14, 2016