Anthony Hopkins Opens Up About His Battle with Alcoholism

Anthony Hopkins recently shared a disturbing moment that helped him confront his struggle with alcoholism. While discussing his past on a New York Times podcast, he recalled a time he drove drunk during a power outage in California, completely disoriented. “I realized I could have killed someone. Or myself,” he said, reflecting on how it could have endangered not just him, but also his family in the car.

The Oscar-winning actor, now 87, spoke about a realization he had: “I realized I was an alcoholic and came to my senses.”

He recounted how, at a party in Beverly Hills, he confessed to a former agent, “I need help.” This was a pivotal moment for him.

Hopkins further explained that after joining a 12-step program in Los Angeles, he experienced a significant moment of clarity at exactly 11 o’clock, when he felt a profound voice telling him it was time to truly live. “Some deep, powerful thought or voice spoke to me from within,” he described, declaring it was time to move forward. The voice, which he described as “masculine” and reminiscent of a radio host, seemed to lift his craving for alcohol.

Since that moment, he has remained sober for decades. “I have no specific theory about divinity or existence, but I believe in consciousness,” he said, emphasizing the importance of that understanding.

Reflecting on his past, he shared that he found drinking appealing as a young actor. “Booze is great because it instantly makes you feel like you’re in a different space,” he admitted, noting it helped him cope with discomfort.

As he approaches 88, he acknowledges life’s challenges. “There are tremendous challenges in life, and you realize that,” he noted. Each morning, he wakes up thankful to be here, contemplating the journey he’s taken.

If you or someone you know is struggling with issues like these, consider reaching out for help.