Anthony Hopkins, the acclaimed actor and Oscar winner, has shared the profound moment that led to his nearly 50 years of sobriety. The actor revealed that a near-fatal incident while driving under the influence nearly five decades ago was the turning point in his life. During a recent interview, Hopkins described how he realized he could have endangered a family with his reckless behavior, prompting a deep introspection that led to his decision to seek help.
Speaking candidly about his past struggles with alcoholism, Hopkins admitted that he used drinking as a way to ‘feel big’ and escape personal discomfort. He shared that the moment he realized the potential consequences of his actions was when he decided to reach out for support. ‘I was drunk, driving my car here in California, in a blackout – no clue where I was going,’ he recounted. ‘It was a moment when I realized I could have killed somebody – or myself, which I didn’t care about, but I could have killed a family in a car.’
Hopkins emphasized that the immediate relief from his cravings came after he embraced a deeper understanding of his inner ‘divinity’ and ‘life force.’ ‘I don’t know or have any theories except divinity, or that power that we all possess inside us that creates us from birth – life force – whatever it is. It’s a consciousness, I believe. That’s all I know. My whole life has been like that,’ he said. His comments reflect a spiritual perspective on sobriety, suggesting that inner conviction plays a crucial role in recovery.
Reflecting on his journey, Hopkins noted that the decision to seek help from a support group was pivotal. ‘I made the fatal phone call to an intergroup in LA, a 12-step program. They said, “We’ll send somebody over to meet you,” and I said, “No, I’ll come to you.”’ Despite the challenges he faced, Hopkins now sees his sobriety as a blessing, allowing him to continue working at the age of 86. ‘I’ve had a wonderful life. They still employ me, they still give me jobs,’ he said. His experience highlights the positive impact of overcoming addiction and the importance of community support in recovery.