Kaia Gerber Opens Up About 'Human' Brother Presley's Drug Struggle: "We Have an Absolute Teacher"

In a candid interview with Vogue, supermodel Kaia Gerber has shared her thoughts on her brother Presley Gerber's decade-long battle with drug addiction. Speaking about the impact it had on their family, Kaia described how it leveled everyone and led her to take on the role of the "easy one." "When something like that happens in a family, it kind of levels everyone," Kaia explained. "I think that's also why I started to self-identify as the easy one and never wanted to ask for help. Because it felt like too much to have two children who were needing." Though her famous parents, Cindy Crawford and Casamigos tequila founder Rande Gerber, have kept their lives very private, Kaia spoke proudly of Presley's decision to face his struggles publicly. "We have this absolute teacher, my brother, who says, 'I’m gonna be very human for everyone.' There’s only so much you can hide from the world," she said. Since 2019, Presley has made headlines for his battles with substance abuse and mental health issues. At just 19 years old, he was arrested for DUI after being pulled over for speeding in Beverly Hills, California. In July 2019, he pleaded no contest to the misdemeanor charge and was sentenced to three years of probation, community service, and a DUI program. The following year, Presley was photographed completing court-ordered requirements at a drug-testing facility in connection with his 2019 DUI. In 2024, the nepo baby announced that he had battled a severe, multi-year opiate addiction and had a near-fatal fentanyl overdose that left him in a coma for a few days. Presley said he was checking into rehab to undergo ibogaine treatment—a psychedelic experience believed to be beneficial in treating substance abuse and PTSD. The following December, Presley revealed he was suffering from prescription medication dependency after seeing over 15 different psychiatrists who allegedly heavily medicated him without giving him a structured recovery direction. That same month, Presley confirmed he was five months sober from alcohol, noting his last drink was in July 2025. Kaia's support for her brother is unwavering, and she encourages others to talk openly about mental health and addiction issues. "Trying to put a lid on something just makes the person feel like you’re ashamed of them," Kaia added. In the face of adversity, Presley has become an inspiration to many, using his experiences to help others struggling with similar challenges.