Robert Downey Jr. – Actor, Alcohol Abuse, Drug Abuse and Mental Illness
Introduction
Born 4 April 1965 Robert Downey Jr made his screen debut at age five in the movie Pound directed and produced by his father. Described as an art house movie, this was the environment Downey grew up in surrounded by the stars of the time, witness to their antics and behaviors. His mother also an actress instilled in him a love of acting, a counterpoint to his father’s more bohemian approach to life.
His father’s influence was to have a lasting effect on Downey; when at age six Robert Downey Sr gave him his first experience of using marijuana which was to set him on his path of self-destruction.
When talking about his childhood Downey has been reported as saying I don’t want to go all Michael Jackson on you, but I never really had a childhood.
Robert Downey Jr always knew he wanted to act, when his parents separated at age thirteen; he followed his father to New York, and then returning to Hollywood to pursue his own career.
The Early Years
Robert Downey Jr started his career like many aspiring actors playing bit parts that largely went uncredited. Through the 1970’s and 80’s he began compiling a creditable portfolio of work.
His most noted role during this time was in Saturday Night live. In 1987 he starred in the movie Less Than Zero, portraying a young drug addicted male. Little did anyone know how closely art would imitate life.
Air America (1990) along side Mel Gibson (who has had his own battles with drug and alcohol addiction), propelled Robert Downey Jr further into the limelight and was the beginning of a life long respect and friendship with Gibson.
Even as his fame grew through his work on Ally McBeal it was most notably during this period Downey’s addiction to drugs became public knowledge through Downey himself who’s behaviour had become erratic and unpredictable.
Drugs and Mental Illness
As his drug addiction grew, so did the unpredictability of his behaviour. It has been recorded and documented in various forms of media the trouble Downey got himself in, including breaking into a neighbors’ house and falling asleep in their son’s bed, wandering around streets in a drugged state and even driving a car naked in possession of drugs and an unloaded handgun.
April 2001 after yet another arrest Downey was sent by court order to the California Substance Abuse Treatment Facility and State Prison, in accordance with the newly passed California Proposition 36, which allowed non-violent drug offenders to go into rehabilitation rather than prison.
During an interview about his drug habits Downey is reported to have described his drug taking activities as a kind of emotional bond between father and son – something they shared together.
Rumors have circulated over time that Downey also suffered depression and Bi-Polar disorder; these claims are purported to have been made by his Stepmother and a psychiatrist who Downey supposedly rang for assistance. Robert Downey Jr himself has personally refuted these claims and to this time they remain unverified.
Rehabilitation and Recovery
Robert Downey Jr attributes the failure of his relationships and two marriages to his drug addiction.
In 2003 after completing his rehabilitation Robert Downey Jr. once again returned to acting in the movie Gothika. It was while filming this movie that he met and married his third and current wife Susan. It is believed by many and by Downey himself she was paramount in bringing about change by providing him with a stable home life. The couple now has two children together and Downey has been reunited with his older son from one of his previous marriages.
Believed to have been drug free since 2003 Downey credited support of his friends and family, meditation, yoga, therapy and a twelve-step recovery program for his drug free state. When asked about his time in prison/rehabilitation Downey had this to say, ‘I wouldn’t wish that experience on anyone else, but it was very very educational for me, and has informed my proclivities and politics ever since’. Downey is also on the board of the Anti-Recidivism Coalition.
November 2004 saw Robert Downey Jr do an interview with Oprah where he spoke to her about his decision to finally get help and kick his drug habit. During the interview he discussed how in the end the decision to get help was actually harder than asking for the help in the first place.
Conclusion
Many options including counselling and various forms of therapy are available to assist anyone who suffers with drug and alcohol addiction. Robert Downey Jr. has taught us that one of the best things a person can do when battling inner demons, is too seek professional help. The other road of drugs and alcohol may seem like the instant fix we want, but it will only end up hurting you more. If you or someone you know needs to speak to someone about drug related mental illness, Bipolar Disorder or other mental illnesses; know that we at AB Consultation and Counselling Service are always here to help you on your road to recovery.