On December 29, 1975, Hopkins abruptly stopped drinking after he woke up in Arizona with no idea of how he got there. He joined AA and has been attending meetings ever since.
Academy Award-winning actor Anthony Hopkins took to social media to celebrate almost five decades—47 years—of sobriety and to offer hope and inspiration to those who are battling addiction. The renowned actor uploaded a video on Instagram with the words, “Wishing everyone a healthy 2023.” He explained at the outset that he wasn't trying to be preachy, just that he wanted to help anyone who might be going through addiction struggles in the same manner he did.
“I am a recovering alcoholic, and to you out there, I know there are people struggling in this day and age of cancel and hatred and non-compromise, children being bullied,” Hopkins said. “I say to this: Be kind to yourself. Be kind. Stay out of the circle of toxicity with people if they offend you. Live your life. Be proud of your life.”
He continued by saying that 47 years ago, he was in a "desperate situation, in despair," and most likely didn't have much time left to live. Fortunately, he was able to recognize one day that something was wrong with him. “But I didn’t realize that it was a kind of condition, mental, physical, emotional condition called alcoholism or addiction,” he continued. “I’m not an expert on drugs. I’m not an expert on anything. I know nothing, except I have found a life where no one bullies me.”
Hopkins is referring to a wake-up call he received on a cold December night. In an interview with Guardian, he shared that on December 29, 1975, he abruptly stopped drinking after discovering that he was in Arizona and had no idea how he got there. He joined AA and has been attending meetings ever since.
In his social media address, he advised his fans who were watching, to anyone who was battling with addiction—or any other issue, for that matter—to speak to someone they respect, whether it be a counselor or, for those who required it, a 12-step program. “There are 12-step programs all over the world,” The Father actor said. “Every city, every small city, every community, 12-step programs that can help you identify what you are. It doesn’t cost a thing, but it will give you a whole new life.”
Hopkins had a message specifically for young people who are being bullied by others. “Don’t listen to them.” In his closing remarks, he said that he is not a "do-gooder" and that he is a "sinner" like everyone else, but that becoming sober has given him the life he has now. “So wherever you are, get help. Don’t be ashamed. Be proud of yourself — whatever you do, don’t let anyone put you down,” Hopkins said. “Celebrate yourself as I do myself, although I know nothing.”
References:
https://www.theguardian.com/film/1998/dec/05/features
https://www.instagram.com/p/Cmw8v7XIOIQ/?hl=en
Cover Image Source: Getty Images | Momodu Mansaray
