Robert Downey Jr."s Son Arrested For Cocaine: Are Genetics To Blame?

With the information right now of the arrest of Robert Downey Jr’s son Indio for cocaine possession came this quote from the actor:

“Unfortunately there is a genetic part to addiction and Indio has likely inherited it,” Robert Downey Jr. explained in a statement launched by his reps. “Also, there is a good deal of family assistance and understanding, and we’re all determined to rally behind him and aid him grow to be the guy he’s capable of currently being. We’re grateful to the Sheriff’s division for their intervention, and feel Indio can be an additional recovery good results story instead of a cautionary tale.”

Indio Downey, twenty, was released on $ 10,250 bail last night following becoming arrested in West Hollywood and booked on suspicion of possession of cocaine and smoking paraphernalia. In accordance to the Los Angeles Instances, a sherif’s deputy spotted Indio Downey smoking a pipe while a passenger in a auto.

Robert Downey Jr’s personal struggles with addiction had been nicely publicized during the 1980s and 90s with numerous stints in rehab until finally he acquired clean and sober in 2001 with the support of a yr in the California Substance Abuse Therapy Facility and State Prison.

Actor Robert Downey Jr. and his son Indio Falconer Downey photographed together last 12 months. (Photograph: public domain)

Because then, the actor has also been public about his support of others who struggle with drugs and alcohol.

This is not the first time Indio Falconer Downey’s identify has been in the information connected with addiction. In October, 2013, Indio entered rehab for pill addiction, according to statements by his mom, actress and singer Deborah Falconer, who spoke out confirming reports in gossip publications. In her statements, Falconer sought to distance Indio’s problem’s from people of his father and stressed that her son was taking just “one pill a day.”

So how strong is the connection amongst a person’s household background and alcoholism and drug addiction? Or place a lot more scientifically, how sturdy a predictor for addiction is a person’s genetic blueprint?

In accordance to the Nationwide Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence, how simply a person gets addicted is strongly affected by genetics. In truth, “The single most reliable indicator of danger for potential alcohol and drug problems is Family members Historical past,” says the NCADD’s world wide web page on genetics and addiction.

Of course, you have to begin consuming or using medication in buy for a tendency in the direction of addiction to manifest itself. “Whether a individual decides to use alcohol or medicines is a decision, influenced by their environment–peers, family, and availability,” say the NCADD resources.

“But, when a man or woman utilizes alcohol or medicines, the chance of establishing alcoholism or drug dependence is largely influenced by genetics.  Alcoholism and drug dependence are not moral issues, are not a matter of option or a lack of willpower.”

And then there is this stark message: “Plain and simple, some people’s bodies react to the effects of alcohol and medication in a different way.”

And in accordance to study by the National Institutes of Wellness, cocaine has a really large “heritability factor” compared to other addictive substances.

To delve far more deeply into this subject (and I recommend all dad and mom do), the University of Utah has an in depth and fascinating  educational website  devoted to this topic with articles aimed at both younger readers and their mothers and fathers.

As someone with a robust family history of alcoholism and two kids who have a genetic chance for addiction on each sides of their family members historical past, I adhere to the developing science on this subject closely. I would enjoy to hear your thoughts.

Because his recovery, Robert Downey Jr. been reported to have aided several celebrity pals, such as Mel Gibson, get clean and sober. Let’s hope his own individual experience, deep knowledge, and committed support help conserve his son from the many years of soreness he suffered.

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Robert Downey Jr."s Son Arrested For Cocaine: Are Genetics To Blame?