The Troubled Life Of Robert Downey Jr.'s Oldest Son Indio

Tragically, many who have struggled with addiction see their children battle the same issues  — just ask Tatum, Griffin, and Redmond O'Neal. "Studies strongly suggest that genetic factors operate at all steps of addiction, including vulnerability to initiation, continued use, and propensity to become dependent," the National Library of Medicine reports.

Robert Downey Jr. has been arrested on drug and DUI-related charges multiple times, and his son, Indio Falconer Downey has fought a similar battle. According to Amo Mama, the 29-year-old is the actor's oldest son, from Downey Jr.'s marriage to his first wife Deborah Falconer. The couple married in 1992, but after a decade or so of living with her husband's drug and alcohol abuse, Falconer threw in the towel on their relationship. They divorced in 2004, and Downey went to live with his mother. However, his dad remained close and staunchly supports his musical endeavors.

"His growth as an artist and man have been astonishing. Over the last several years, many storms have been weathered, and he's emerged as one of my favorite recording artists, no joke," Downey Jr. posted on Instagram in honor of his son's 29th birthday. He praised his "kindness," talents, strength, and for being one of the "least materialistic humans" out there. However, sadly, the troubled life of Robert Downey Jr.'s oldest son Indio has, too often, mirrored his dad's.

Robert Downey Jr.'s struggles are well documented. Per ABC News, he grew up surrounded by drugs. Downey Jr. first got high when he was 8 when his father, director Robert Downey, pushed drugs on him. In 1996, the future "Iron Man" star was arrested with an unloaded gun, cocaine, and other drugs in his car. Still, after Downey Jr.'s multiple times in jail and stints in rehab, Decider reports that he became clean and sober — and stayed that way — from 1994 onwards.

According to TMZ, Indio Falconer Downey was 20 when he was arrested for cocaine in 2012. Cops pulled over the car he was in after noticing him smoking a pipe. Downey was charged with felony possession of a controlled substance. However, as it was his first offense, he was ordered to attend a drug rehab program. Sadly, he clearly had some steps to work on before he caught up with his dad.

Downey completed his 20-month court-mandated program without issue, though, and his conviction was vacated, per Entertainment Tonight. "I would like to say I am truly grateful for the experience I have had over the past 20 months in recovery," Downey told the judge. "I've gained so much. I'm so blessed to have my life back. I hope to be an inspiration to others in the future."

The Downey men have had more than their fair share of troubles over the generations. Robert Downey, Robert Downey Jr., and Indio Downey have all struggled with substance abuse. "Pick a dysfunction, and it's a family problem," Downey Jr. told Vanity Fair about his son's battle with cocaine. The actor blamed "histories and predispositions and influences and feelings and unspoken traumas or needs that weren't met" for the downward spiral.

According to the Daily Mail, Downey started using drugs at 12. His father was aware of his son's addiction and had tried various times to get him clean prior to his arrest in 2012. "Indio's been using drugs and hard drugs as well for eight years, so there's been a million interventions and conversations and threats and AA meetings and sponsors," a source said. "None of it took, for the simple fact that Indio enjoys getting high, and he found no compelling reason to not get high," they continued.

"Unfortunately, there's a genetic component to addiction, and Indio has likely inherited it," Downey Jr. told People. "Also, there is a lot of family support and understanding, and we're all determined to rally behind him and help him become the man he's capable of being." Downey Jr. has remained true to his word. He's been there every step of the way to help ensure and maintain his son's sobriety.

If you or anyone you know is struggling with addiction issues, help is available. Visit the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration website or contact SAMHSA's National Helpline at 1-800-662-HELP (4357).