Recently, Henry “Trey” Radel, the Florida Congressman charged with cocaine possession, has plead guilty to a misdemeanor charge, which resulted in a sentence for a year’s probation and a $250 fine. Republican Representative Trey Radel told the judge that he had hit rock bottom and realized he needs help. Radel stated that at this time he will be taking a leave of absence, attending a drug rehab, and will be donating his salary to an unknown charity. The Florida congressman charged with cocaine possession could have resulted in a much bigger consequences than just probation. Will this help break the stigma of what addiction looks like?

Trey Radel: Florida Congressman Charged With Cocaine Possession

The Florida congressman charged with cocaine possession allegedly purchased 3.5 grams of cocaine for $250, from an undercover police officer in Washington, D.C. on October 29. After the drug deal, federal agents proceeded to confront Radel, who agreed to speak with the federal agents in the privacy of his apartment. On Tuesday, Congressman Radel’s cocaine possession charge was made public, which lead him to announce that he struggles with alcoholism and will look to undergo substance abuse treatment and therapy. Radel stated that he wants to continue serving this country, and in court said, “I want to come out of this stronger.” Congressman Radel’s lawyer, David Schertler, stated that Radel has already admitted himself into a substance abuse outpatient treatment program located in Washington, D.C. but is planning to seek continuing treatment when he arrives back in Florida.Two days later Radel stated he was taking a leave of absence and was now just going to check himself into a drug rehab center.

Trey Radel’s Cocaine Addiction

It has been reported that the Florida congressman charged with cocaine possession has bought cocaine on several previous occasions, prior to his last purchase with the undercover police officer. On Tuesday, when the case was revealed, Congressman Radel made the statement, “I know I have a problem and will do whatever is necessary to overcome it, hopefully setting an example for others struggling with this disease (addiction).” Prior to being elected into office, Radel was a “Hip Hop conservative” radio host. Elected in 2012, Radel was to represent Florida’s 19th Congressional District- Gulf Coast communities: Fort Myers and Naples. If Radel completes this full year of probation successfully, the alleged charge will be dismissed.

Cocaine Addiction Treatment

After the charges against Radel were made public, Schertler stated that he saw the congressman’s charge as a great opportunity to undergo treatment for his problem and to turn his life around. The Florida congressman appears to be the first current Congressman, since former representative Frederick Richmond whom was charged with drug possession in 1982, to be charged with a drug offense. Maybe this is what Radel needed: to hit a rock bottom great enough to finally turn his life around.

Radel has acknowledged that he made an extremely irresponsible choice and he is ready to face the consequences due to his actions. One year of probation is lucky for this congressman, because it would have been 180 days in jail and a $1000 fine. The fact that more people in high places are coming forward about their drug addiction problems, just proves once again that addiction can affect anyone. We hope that Radel takes this opportunity to work on his cocaine addiction problem so that he may show others that they too can recover.

For more information on cocaine addiction and treatment programs, please contact us at 1-800-861-1768

UPDATE: As of Monday, January 27, 2014, Florida Congressman Radel has publicly resigned from Congress. He took a short period off from work to recover and seek treatment for his Cocaine use, and has now decided to resign.