Sir Anthony Hopkins shared a story about his battle with alcoholism in an Instagram video Sunday, marking 49 years of sobriety.
The 86-year-old actor recalled a drunk driving incident that led to his recovery to his 5.3 million Instagram followers.
“I was having such fun. But then I realized I was in big, big trouble because I couldn’t remember anything, and I was driving a car drunk out of my skull,” Hopkins said. “Then, on that fatal 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 the 49 years since he quit drinking.
Hopkins then detailed the moment he recognized his problem, when he turned to others for assistance.
“I phoned up a group of people like me — alcoholic — and that was it. Sober,” he said.
He added that his sobriety didn’t stand in the way of having a fun-filled and successful career.
NEW YORK, NEW YORK – OCTOBER 27: Anthony Hopkins seen on the set of “Armageddon Time” in Flushing Meadows Corona Park on October 27, 2021 in New York City. (Photo by James Devaney/GC Images) Getty Images
“Anyway, I’ve had more fun in these 49 years than ever,” he said.
He then encouraged others who battle with alcoholism to seek help and begin their own process of recovery.
“If you do have a problem — I think fun is wonderful. I think a drink is fine — but if you are having a problem with the booze, there is help … there’s plenty of help around,” Hopkins said.
“One thing I didn’t realize — that I was not unique — there are thousands of people around like me,” Hopkins told his fans.
“I’ve had a wonderful life. They still employ me, they still give me jobs,” he said, reflecting on his life since the drunk driving incident.
Welsh actor Anthony Hopkins attends the 94th Oscars at the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood, California on March 27, 2022. (Photo by ANGELA WEISS / AFP) (Photo by ANGELA WEISS/AFP via Getty Images)
“I’ll be 87 in two days time. I’m celebrating my long life — unexpectedly long life,” he said.(RELATED: ‘A Lot Of Damage’: Denzel Washington Reveals Depths Of His Past Substance Abuse)
Hopkins urged those struggling with alcoholism to seek help one more time before signing off, noting it was important to seek assistance “because it is a killer.”
This article was originally published at dailycaller.com
