Jared Leto, a figure of intrigue and controversy in the entertainment industry, recently candidly discussed his history of drug use and the pivotal moment that led him to sobriety. In a revealing interview, the actor shared insights into his tumultuous journey, his early exposure to drugs, and the transformative epiphany that changed his life.
Jared Leto’s Early Exposure to Drugs
In a conversation with Zane Lowe on Apple Music 1, as reported by People Magazine, Jared Leto opened up about his upbringing, which involved early exposure to drugs. He recounted his childhood experiences, stating, “I grew up in an environment where there were drugs around. I mean, I knew what the smell of weed is, as a very, very young kid.” This early introduction to drugs set him apart from his peers, as he possessed a deeper understanding of substances and their effects.
Jared recalled a specific memory from his early years, when he detected the scent of marijuana while walking past some bushes. He remarked, “And saying to the other kids, ‘Oh, someone’s smoking pot there.’ They’re like, ‘What do you mean? What’s pot?’ They didn’t know what that certain spice was. But for us, it was pretty normal.” Leto emphasized that he never encountered anyone who dissuaded him from exploring this realm of curiosity. His natural inclination for risk-taking and experimentation further fueled his interest in drugs.
The Consequences of Drug Use and a Life-Altering Epiphany
As Leto delved into the repercussions of drug use, he pondered, “Of course, taking drugs is one thing, but does it start taking you?” Drawing from his own experience, he admitted, “And in my experience, it was certainly one that I took it for a ride, and then it took me for a ride for sure.” This critical turning point in his life prompted an epiphany where he confronted two divergent paths he could follow.
The 51-year-old actor shared, “I had a moment of clarity. I had an epiphany. There were two paths that I could take in life…I guess is the only way I can describe it. And I took that path, and I’ve had very close friends that didn’t. And they’re not here anymore.”
While Jared Leto has emerged from his tumultuous past and is currently clean, he also touched upon the revitalization of his band, 30 Seconds to Mars, in this transformative year, hinting at new beginnings and a refreshed sound.