Anthony Hopkins, the renowned actor, has expressed skepticism towards mental health diagnoses such as ADHD and autism, calling them ‘nonsense’ during a candid interview. He attributes his past struggles with alcoholism to his father’s influence and acknowledges the role of his third wife, Stella Arroyave, in suggesting his possible autism. Hopkins also reflected on his sobriety journey and the realization of his own addiction after a moment of reckoning while driving drunk in California.
While reflecting on his sobriety journey, Hopkins also realized that his mental health issues may have stemmed from his father, who was also a big drinker. He discussed his own experiences with alcoholism, linking it to his father, a heavy drinker, and acknowledged the influence of his wife, Stella Arroyave, who suggested he might be autistic. He also mentioned that his third wife, Stella Arroyave, believes he is autistic, which led him to explore the concept of neurodivergence. However, Hopkins remains hesitant to embrace these labels, calling them ‘nonsense’ and ‘rubbish.’
During this candid interview, Hopkins also reflected on his sobriety journey, acknowledging the pivotal moment when he realized the potential danger of his drinking. He recalled driving drunk in California, not knowing where he was going, and realizing that his actions could have led to a fatal accident. This moment prompted him to seek help and join a 12-step program, where he found a new sense of purpose and clarity. He described the experience as a ‘deep, powerful thought’ that changed his life, leading to an immediate cessation of his alcohol cravings.