In June, actor Robert Downey Jr.’s son, Indio, was arrested on charges of cocaine possession. For anyone who’s followed the career of the esteemed – and once troubled – actor over the years, it wasn’t exactly surprising to hear that Downey, Jr.’s son got mixed up in drugs. The elder Downey’s battle with addiction was well-publicized, culminating in jail time, several trips to rehab and a bizarre episode where he was found walking the streets barefoot.
Currently, Indio is seeking drug and alcohol treatment and, upon his release, will face an arraignment and trial for his arrest. In a new interview with Vanity Fair, Downey opens up about his own battle with addiction and that of his son.
Calling addiction a “family problem,” Downey Jr. points out that his ex-wife, Deborah Falconer, also battled addiction, so it’s no surprise that Indio is now suffering the same fate. The actor also states that he started using drugs as a kid and – in a way – downplays his addiction, saying, “It’s perfectly normal for people to be obsessive about something for a period of time, then leave it alone.”
Whether or not you agree with his description of addiction, it’s undeniable that he’s right in calling it a “family problem.” Since Indio’s arrest, reports have swirled that Downey Jr. has been at his son’s side, helping him through this tough time. The actor poignantly notes in the interview, “Can you help someone get out of those woods? Yes, you can. By not getting lost looking for them.” Although Indio clearly has the support of his father in efforts to get clean, the actor understands that he can’t save his son unless Indio is ready to work on himself and truly wants to be sober.”
And if Indio is looking for inspiration, he certainly has the right mentor. For years, Downey Jr. was considered a hopeless cause – a Hollywood bad-boy whose behavior and battle with addiction was the stuff of legend. If 15 years ago someone had insisted that the actor would overcome his demons and rise to become the highest paid actor in Hollywood, that person would be laughed out of a room.
And, yet, Downey Jr. stands today as an example that no one is hopeless. With readiness and willingness to do what it takes to get and stay sober, anyone can break free of the chains of addiction and alcoholism.
We wish Indio all the best in his fight against drugs and hope that he emerges from drug and alcohol treatment a new, healthier, better version of himself.
