Robert Downey Jr.’s struggles with drug addiction lasted many years, starting in the late 1980s. His issues with substances like cocaine, heroin, and prescription drugs led to multiple arrests and stints in rehab. Downey’s addiction problems were most severe from the late 1990s through the early 2000s.
By 2003, he was in and out of jail and rehabilitation centers. His turning point came in 2003 when he began a remarkable journey toward recovery. Through a combination of therapy, support from loved ones, and a commitment to change, Downey Jr. achieved sobriety and revitalized his career.