Jared Leto Reveals 'An Epiphany' He Had That Led To Sobriety

Jared Leto opened up about his transition from being a "professional drug user" to achieving sobriety on "The Zane Lowe Show." He shared his early exposure to drugs growing up, where the smell of weed was familiar even as a young child.

Leto admitted to exploring and even selling drugs out of curiosity but acknowledged the difference between experimentation and addiction. He described a transformative moment of clarity during the peak of his drug use, choosing a path away from drugs as he witnessed friends tragically succumb to addiction.

Keep on reading to learn more.

Jared Leto recently discussed his transformation from a "professional drug user" to sobriety. On "The Zane Lowe Show," Leto shared his early exposure to drugs and how it piqued his curiosity.

The Thirty Seconds to Mars frontman recalled recognizing the smell of weed as a young child and discussing it with peers. "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," he shared, per Page Six.

He continued, "I remember walking by some trees, like bushes or something as a young kid, very young kid, maybe, I don't know, fourth grade or something. And saying to the other kids, 'Oh, someone's smoking pot there.' They're like, 'What do you mean? What's pot?'"

Leto emphasized that in his environment, drug exposure was common, adding, "They didn't know what that certain spice was. But for us, it was pretty normal."

Leto also confessed to exploring drugs and even selling them due to his enduring curiosity. "I was always interested in that," the "Morbius" star admitted. "I was always interested in drugs. I was always interested in an experience. I was interested in taking some risk, yeah." He added, "I think that's probably common for people that like to experiment or explore."

However, Leto acknowledged that addiction is a separate issue, stating, "Addiction is a whole another part of it, of course. Taking drugs is one thing, but does it start taking you?"

The "House of Gucci" actor highlighted that while he initially took drugs, there came a point where the drugs began to take control of him. "I took it for a ride, and then it took me for a ride for sure," he revealed.

During the chat, Leto reflected on his past drug use and described having a transformative moment of clarity during the peak of his addiction. He explained, "I had a moment of clarity. I had an epiphany. There were two paths that I could take in life. I guess that is the only way I can describe it."

The rocker shared that he opted for the path that led him away from drugs as he realized that some of his close friends had not made the same choice and had tragically lost their lives.

In a 2016 interview with Rolling Stone, Leto discussed his drug experiences, acknowledging that while some were "really fun," others had severe consequences. "There are just those few that tend to kick you in the ass. I guess at some point, too, there's a decision: Is this going to be my life? I made a choice to pursue other dreams," "the "Suicide Squad" star stated.

He emphasized the importance of weighing the risks and rewards of drug use, ultimately opting to pursue different dreams. "I guess that's just the kind of f**ked thing about a lot of drugs: The opportunity cost is too high. Some drugs are incredible, but the risk versus reward is out of line. I just saw too many examples of what not to do," he said.

Leto recently made a striking appearance at New Jersey's Prudential Center for the MTV Video Music Awards.

The "Dallas Buyers Club" actor donned an all-black ensemble, including a sheer black mesh long-sleeved top layered under a boxy sleeveless tunic featuring black leather panels. He extended the leather theme to his choice of footwear with thigh-high leather platform boots sporting a clear PVC stiletto heel.

Completing the edgy look were accessories like a metallic silver choker, matching cuff bracelet, black shield sunglasses, and sleeveless leather gloves.