Hilary Swank and Chad LoweHilary Swank has revealed that soon-to-be ex-husband Chad Lowe had a “substance abuse” problem but it wasn’t the only reason that their marriage ended. The couple had been together for 13 years and married for nine when they decided to divorce earlier this year.

She told Vanity Fair that she was shocked to find out about Chad’s problem: “I knew something was happening but I didn’t know what.”

“When I found out, it was such a shock because I never thought he’d keep something from me. And yet, on another level, it was a confirmation of something I was feeling that was keeping us from being completely solid.”

“He’s sober now. I don’t want to make it seem like that’s the sole reason; there were other factors. But that just kind of blew it open. It made me look at things a lot deeper. That’s when you realize it’s not going to work.”

Hilary chose to stay with Chad while he tried to get help for his problems and revealed that he’s been battling it for three years: “When I found out, I wanted to be there. I knew it was the most important time of his life. That’s when he needed me most.”

“It’s an enormous obstacle to overcome, and he’s doing it. He’s living a sober life. I know how difficult it is, and I’m really proud of his sobriety.”

Hilary also admitted that she’s entirely blameless for the end of the relationship: “It takes two to make something work or not work. I’m a person with my own faults and troubles.”

“In the end, it just didn’t work, but I would never look back on this relationship as failed. I look at it as 13 1/2 years of success.”