OAN Staff Blake Wolf
12:06 PM – Monday, April 7, 2025
Vice President JD Vance joyfully marked his mother’s ten years of sobriety at the White House on Friday.
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Vance’s mother, Beverly Aikins, received applause and a medallion in the Roosevelt Room, celebrated by her family and friends for her decade-long recovery.
In his 2016 memoir “Hillbilly Elegy,” as well as during his vice-presidential debate last October, Vance discussed his mother’s battle with heroin addiction.
Aikins’ struggles with addiction reportedly began while she was employed as a nurse. After taking a prescribed pill for a headache, she quickly became drawn to stronger medications, resorting to stealing them from the hospital. Aikins also reportedly took drugs for fellow addicts.
“I sold drugs from the hospital where I worked, specifically morphine. I stole morphine,” she conveyed to the Washington Examiner. “I hated it. I despised myself. My identity was in being a nurse. That felt like my destiny. I thought that opportunity was lost.”
She subsequently transitioned to using Percocet and later, heroin.
“PERCOCET tablets are a Schedule II controlled substance. Oxycodone is an opioid with an abuse liability akin to morphine. Oxycodone, like morphine and other opioids utilized for pain relief, can be abused and is susceptible to illegal diversion,” as stated by the FDA.
Eventually, Vance’s mother took the step to start her recovery journey in 2015 by entering a sober living facility after a period of homelessness.
“I grew up in a working-class family,” Vance noted during last October’s debate. “My mother required food assistance at various times in her life. My grandmother relied on social security support to raise me.”
“And she partially raised me because my own mother dealt with addiction for much of my early years,” he added.
During Aikins’ 10-year sobriety celebration, Vance highlighted his pride in her commitment to remain clean, despite the impact of her earlier decisions on his childhood.
“I recall when I delivered my RNC convention speech, which was incredibly surreal, I even mentioned during that speech that we would hold your 10-year medallion ceremony at the White House,” Vance noted.
“Well, here we are. You’ve accomplished it, and we have too. Most importantly, you are commemorating a profound milestone. I am incredibly proud of you,” he continued, becoming emotional while adding, “I’m going to try not to cry here.”
“Reflecting on everything you’ve achieved over the past decade, and considering that when I contemplated becoming a father, I didn’t know if you would live long enough to bond with my children. And now they are here, nearly 8, 5, and 3 years old, and you are the most wonderful grandmother they could ever wish for,” Vance expressed, looking at his mother with tears in his eyes.
“It is truly remarkable to witness. One of the greatest blessings of fatherhood is seeing these children develop affection for you, and the companionship is mutual. And that is just an extraordinary blessing,” Vance added.
Vance acknowledged that his mother had always been dependable before her struggles with addiction.
Aikins reportedly regained her nursing certification a few years back and now assists others facing addiction issues at a treatment facility.
“Addiction robbed away that aspect, but recovery has restored your ability to be someone others can depend on. I know you inspire many within the recovery and addiction community. So, from my heart and on behalf of our family, we cherish you,” Vance stated.
She also gave a speech at the event, offering her view on overcoming drug addiction.
“When I recount my journey or give my lead, as we call it in recovery, I share that I think like an addict, wishing I could encapsulate what facilitated my change in pill form, yet honestly, it was the void left by my family,” she declared.
“I reached my lowest point when my parents passed away. My siblings were estranged from me. My children were not speaking to me. I understood that I needed to change. And for me, that realization marked the transformation that saved my life,” Aikins continued.
“My family is my greatest love,” she remarked. “I pray more now, and I hope God grants me several more years to witness their growth. I love you all. Thank you for being here. Now, let’s celebrate!”
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