Hollywood star Anthony Hopkins shared an inspiring video with followers about how he’s a “recovering alcoholic” as he celebrated 47 years of sobriety.
In a video posted to Twitter on Thursday, the 84-year-old actor talked about his battle with alcoholism and sent words of encouragement to those who might be struggling with addiction of their own to seek help.
“I’m celebrating 47 years today of sobriety,” Hopkins explained. “But this is a message not meant to be heavy, but I hope helpful. 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, I say … 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.”
Wishing everyone a healthy 2023. pic.twitter.com/GCodqlWirw
— AHopkins.eth (@AnthonyHopkins) December 29, 2022
The “Red Dragon” star talked about how 47 years ago, he was in what he called a “desperate situation” and “in despair,” noting that he didn’t have long on this earth. He shared that it wasn’t until he finally acknowledged “that there was something really wrong” with him that his life turned around.
He admitted that he didn’t know the “mental, physical, emotional condition called alcoholism, or addiction” was actually a condition, and shared that through sobriety, he has “found a life where no one bullies me.”
The “Silence of the Lambs” star then directed his message to “young people” being bullied and said, “Don’t listen to them. Don’t let yourself be put down,” adding that “life is tough.” He also said that if you need help with any addiction or problem, “talk to someone” and seek help.
The Oscar-winning actor previously shared that he had what he called a “wake-up call” when he was 37 in 1975, the Daily Mail noted.
In a video he posted on Instagram two years ago regarding the same subject, Hopkins admitted that he “was heading for disaster” and said he “was drinking myself to death.”
It was then that he heard a little message in his head that asked him if he wanted “to live or die.” He said he chose to live and it turned his life around, calling the time he’s had since “amazing.”
“You young people, don’t give up, just keep in there, just keep fighting,” he concluded the video. “Be bold, and mighty forces will come to your aid.”
At the time of this publication, the Thursday clip had been viewed more than 1.3 million times.