Sir Anthony Hopkins opened up about his battle with alcoholism in an Instagram video on Sunday, marking 49 years of sobriety.
86 year old actor I remembered A drunk driving incident that led to the recovery of 5.3 million followers on Instagram.
“It was a lot of fun. But then I realized I was in big trouble. I couldn't remember anything and I was driving a car drunk out of my skull,” Hopkins said. “Then, on that fateful day, I realized I needed help, so I got it.”
“One day at a time. 49 years. Life is in session. 🎉,” the actor captioned the post, marking 49 years of sobriety.
Hopkins then detailed the moment he recognized his problem and asked others for help.
“I called a group of people who were alcoholics like me, and that was it. Sober,” he said.
He added that his sobriety did not prevent him from having an enjoyable and successful career.
NEW YORK, NY – OCTOBER 27: Anthony Hopkins on the set of 'Armageddon Time' at Flushing Meadows Corona Park on October 27, 2021 in New York City. (Photo by: James Devaney/GC Images) Getty Images
“Anyway, the last 49 years have been more fun than I've ever had,” he said.
He encouraged people battling alcoholism to seek help and begin the process of recovery themselves.
“I think it's great to have fun, even if you have a problem. I think it's okay to drink, but if you're having trouble with alcohol, please get help…there's a lot of help out there.” Hopkins said.
“What I didn't realize was that I wasn't special. There were thousands of people out there just like me,” Hopkins told fans.
“I've had a great life. They still employ me and give me work,” he said, reflecting on his life since the DUI incident.
Welsh actor Anthony Hopkins attends the 94th Oscar Awards ceremony at the Dolby Theater in Hollywood, California on March 27, 2022 (Photo by ANGELA WEISS/AFP) (Photo by ANGELA WEISS/AFP) via Getty Images)
“I'll be 87 years old in two days. I'm celebrating my longevity, my unexpected longevity,” he said.(Related: 'Great damage': Denzel Washington reveals the depths of his past drug abuse)
Mr Hopkins urged people suffering from alcoholism to seek help again before consenting, noting it was important to seek help “because it's a killer”.
