Robert Downey jun describes his first days in prison as an awful time of his life.
However, he believes the harrowing experience has had positive spinoffs and has motivated him to change his life.
"I would have been the first to say it's unconstitutional to put drug abusers in jail.
"Well, it's unconstitutional to be a human being and screw your life up that way," the 35-year-old actor says in Details magazine.
"I wouldn't wish my experience on an enemy. But there was value in it."
Downey was jailed in June last year after he admitted during a probation hearing that he missed scheduled drug tests.
He was sentenced to three years in prison for violating his probation but gained early release last month. Downey then moved into Walden House, a facility he had previously lived in while trying to put an end his drug problem.
Despite his drug problem and jail term he had no trouble finding acting work after his release.
Downey is now set to have a recurring role on the drama series Ally McBeal, playing a mysterious stranger who seems able to connect with the complicated Ally, played by Calista Flockhart.
"I'm proud of the way I've conducted myself since my incarceration," Downey says.
"And I'm proud of the choices I've made since I've been released."
- NZPA
AdvertisementAdvertise with NZME.
Latest from Lifestyle
Why do we age? Scientists are figuring it out
New York Times: Researchers are investigating how our biology changes as we grow older.