Robert Downey Jr.’s Son Arrested on Drug Charges – Drug Rehab Options

Proving yet again that addiction is genetic and runs in families; Robert Downey Jr.’s son was arrested on Sunday and charged with possession of a controlled substance and drug paraphernalia.

He was booked into jail at the West Hollywood station and posted bail later the same afternoon.

Indio Falconer Downey, 20, was the passenger of a car stopped by the West Hollywood Sheriff Department around 2 p.m. Sherriff’s deputies will only say the car was pulled over under “suspicious circumstances.” Once pulled over, officers immediately sensed the young man was under the influence of drugs. Indio was searched by an officer on-scene and found to be in possession of cocaine and a glass pipe.

There are conflicting reports as to how many passengers were riding in the vehicle. While sources initially claimed Indio was the sole passenger, subsequent reports claimed two other people were in the car, with Indio being the only passenger arrested.

After the booking process was completed, a judge granted bail and set Indio’s first official court date for August 29. His famous father reportedly forked over the bail money, totaling $10,250.

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Like Father, Like Son?

Robert Downey Jr. is no stranger to the disease of addiction. In fact, back in the 1990s, he was considered the poster child for substance abuse. Robert later revealed that his father first introduced him to drugs at the tender age of eight. By the time he hit his 20s, Robert was dealing with a full-blown addiction.

Over a period of several years, Robert’s life was a circus, each day fueled by dependency-induced mistakes. He managed to rack up a 12-month prison term, along with multiple visits to drug rehabs around the country. In November 2000, Robert was arrested in a Palm Springs hotel room where he had remained barricaded away from the world doing mass quantities of cocaine.

After making it through a long string of horrible lows, the actor finally made the decision to give sobriety an honest shot. Robert has been clean since 2001.

Like his father, Indio has a passion for acting. He appeared alongside Robert in the 2005 movie “Kiss Kiss, Bang Bang.” Another similarity between father and son seems to be an extremely powerful cocaine dependence. Indio has reportedly been in and out of rehab programs over the last several years.

While the young man has certainly been struggling to find sustained sobriety, he hasn’t been doing it alone. Robert is said to be “deeply involved in Indio’s treatment.” One source even acknowledged that, up until Sunday’s incident, Indio had been clean for several months.

Robert Downey Jr.’s Public Statement

Shortly after posting his son’s bail, a representative for Robert released a public statement. The actor thanked “the Sheriff’s department for their intervention” and went on to acknowledge there was “a genetic component to addiction and Indio has likely inherited it.”

Robert also said Indio has “a lot of family support and understanding” and everyone is “determined to rally behind him and help him become the man he’s capable of being.”

If you or someone you love is struggling with substance abuse, take action and learn about drug addiction treatment options to fit your needs. Call and speak with a helpful recovery professional today.