Keep Factually independent

Whether you agree or disagree with our analysis, these conversations matter for democracy. We don't take money from political groups - even a $5 donation helps us keep it that way.

Loading...Time left: ...
Loading...Goal: $500

Fact check: Is it true that RFK Jr. Wants to Send People Addicted to Antidepressants to Government “Wellness Farms”?

Checked on February 15, 2025

1. Summary of the results

RFK Jr. did propose a concept of "wellness farms" with several key characteristics:

  • Government-funded facilities located in rural areas [1]
  • Intended for people using prescription drugs including SSRIs, benzos, and Adderall [1]
  • Programs would last 3-4 years [1] [2]
  • Would involve growing organic produce and disconnecting from technology [1] [2]
  • Funding would come from cannabis sales tax [2] [3]

2. Missing context/alternative viewpoints

Several important contextual elements are worth noting:

  • Similar "care farms" already exist in European countries, particularly the Netherlands [1]
  • The concept is based on a "therapeutic community" model emphasizing peer support and behavioral solutions [4]
  • Medical experts, including Keith Humphreys, have criticized the approach for excluding evidence-based medical treatments [4]
  • During a Senate hearing, Kennedy attempted to walk back some of his statements, clarifying that such programs should be voluntary, not mandatory [5]

3. Potential misinformation/bias in the original statement

The original question's framing requires several clarifications:

  • Kennedy's position has evolved: While podcast recordings show he explicitly grouped SSRI and ADHD medication users with other drug dependents [2], he later tried to distance himself from characterizing antidepressant users as "addicts" during Senate confirmation hearings [2] [5]
  • Medical professionals and senators have argued that Kennedy's claims about antidepressants are scientifically unfounded [5]

Who benefits from different narratives:

  • Anti-pharmaceutical groups and alternative medicine advocates might benefit from narratives questioning traditional mental health treatments
  • Pharmaceutical companies and traditional medical establishments benefit from opposing these views
  • Political opponents could benefit from portraying Kennedy's proposals as extreme or impractical
Want to dive deeper?
Jamal Roberts gave away his winnings to an elementary school.
Did a theater ceiling really collapse in the filming of the latest Final Destination?
Is Rachel Zegler suing South Park?