Kaia Gerber Embraces Her "Easy One" Role as Brother Presley Gerber Battles Addiction

In a candid interview with Vogue, model Kaia Gerber opened up about her brother Presley Gerber's ongoing battle with addiction. "When something like this hits your family, it's a leveler," the Shards actress, 24, said of her sibling's struggle. Growing up in the spotlight with supermodel mom Cindy Crawford and entrepreneur dad Rande Gerber, Presley, 27, and Kaia spent their childhood in Malibu. Reflecting on their upbringing, Kaia recalled, "We were in the ocean every day. My brother would surf and walk to school in his wetsuit. There was only so much trouble we could get into." However, the siblings' idyllic lives came with their share of challenges. "When something like this happens in a family, it kind of levels everyone," Kaia admitted. "I think that's also why I started to self-identify as the easy one and never wanted to ask for help." Kaia expressed pride in Presley's honesty about his struggles and treatment on social media, stating, "My brother is an absolute teacher who says, 'I'm going to be very human for everyone.' There's only so much you can hide from the world." Last year, Presley candidly shared details about his mental health medications, including Buprenorphine, a drug used to treat opioid use disorder and pain. Presley discussed the challenges of balancing medication with self-care, stating, "I'm just trying to work out, sauna, take baths... I try not to be around people right now." Emphasizing his commitment to recovery, Presley revealed that he has been sober since July 2025 and cut alcohol from his life. Presley closed his video by expressing hope that his struggles would inspire others to prioritize their wellbeing. "I am hoping this reaches people in many ways," he shared. "So you feel like you're not alone, because that is how I feel most of the time." If you or someone you know is struggling with substance abuse, please contact the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) National Helpline at 1-800-662-HELP (4357).