Johnny Depp opened up about his drug use in court, admitting that he began using drugs at a very young age. The Pirates of the Caribbean actor made an appearance for the first day of testimony in his libel suit on July 7, telling a British High Court Judge that he started using drugs when he was very young.

The 57-year-old actor is suing NGN (News Group Newspapers), the parent company of the United Kingdom tabloid newspaper The Sun, for defaming over a story that accused him of beating his wife, referencing his previous marriage to actress Amber Heard.

Heard, 34, previously accused Depp of being abusive during their 15-month marriage, which he continues to deny, claiming that he was the victim of domestic violence in their short relationship. In a statement obtained by PEOPLE, the actress' lawyer Eric George denied the allegations against her, noting that the evidence clearly shows that Depp repeatedly beat Heard.

In the cross-examination at a recent hearing, the lawyer for NGN Sasha Wass asked Depp if it was true that he started using drugs and consuming alcohol early in his life, according to BBC. The actor admitted that he started taking drugs at a very young age, ignoring stability, security, and even a safe home life.

Explaining how he started using drugs, Depp said his mother would ask him to get her nerve pill, which he realized would calm her nerves. Noting that he was around 11 years old at the time, the 21 Jump Street star said he took one of those nerve pills, kicking off his drug use. He said he relied on his drug and alcohol use to numb the pain.

Court documents acquired by PEOPLE, Depp said he was recovering from alcohol and drugs during a major part of his marriage with the Friday Night Lights actress, whom he accused of encouraging him to take drugs and drink rather than supporting his sobriety.

In the witness statement, which was filed in Dec. last year, Depp pointed out that he hasn't kept his struggles with alcoholism and addiction under wraps. He went on to say that his alcohol and drug use began when he was still a child, adding that he was in no way embarrassed to admit this.

The Defendants have tried to portray this problem as an inaccurate representation of the reality of his addiction, Depp said in the statement. He explained that his drug and alcohol use did not make him adopt violence against anyone.