Sir Anthony Hopkins has reached a milestone in his sobriety and wants to offer encouragement to anyone else struggling with addiction.
The Oscar-winning actor, 82, has spoken openly about his alcoholism in the past, previously revealing the ‘wake-up call’ he had aged 37 after almost drinking himself ‘to death.’
Now, after committing to sobriety in 1975, he wishes to instil hope in younger generations, urging them to ‘get help’ if they need it.
Speaking in a heartfelt video message, the star began: ‘Hello, everyone. I just wanna wish everyone a Happy New Year.
‘And also to say, I’m celebrating 47 years today of sobriety. But this is a message not meant to be heavy, but I hope helpful.’
He explained: ‘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 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.’
Sir Anthony recalled being in a ‘desperate situation of despair’ 47 years ago, admitting he didn’t have ‘long to live.’
‘I just happened to acknowledge one day that there was something really wrong with me,’ he said, not realising at the time he was battling with a ‘mental, physical, emotional condition called alcoholism or addiction.’
He insisted: ‘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.’
Sending a powerful message to those watching, he said to his 3.9million followers: ‘I want to say to all you young people who are being bullied, you be proud of yourself. Don’t listen. Don’t let yourself be put down. Depression and anxiety are part of being alive, but if you need help with any addiction or problem, talk to someone.
‘Talk to someone you respect. Whether it’s a counsellor or to go to a 12-step programme. There are 12-step programmes all over the world, every city, every community. They can help you identify what you are and it doesn’t cost a thing, but it will give you a whole new life.’
‘I’m not a do-gooder, I’m an old sinner like everyone, but all I can say is I have the best life I can even imagine, and I can’t even take credit for it,’ he added.
‘So, wherever you are, get help. Don’t be ashamed.’
The Silence of the Lambs star signed off: ‘Don’t let anyone put you down. If you’re gonna be angry, be angry at them, don’t let anyone put you down. Celebrate yourself, as I do myself, although I know nothing. Lots of love to you all, thank you.’
Sir Anthony was met with a wealth of love and support in the comments, with model Naomi Campbell wishing him well, having also been sober herself since 2008.
‘Thank you Sir @anthonyhopkins you are shining beacon of light , you inspire me on my journey in recovery .. 
’, she wrote.
‘My love to you’, commented Alec Baldwin, while Hugh Grant exclaimed: ‘Well said!’
Need help?
The NHS recommends Drinkline, the national alcohol helpline. If you’re worried about your own or someone else’s drinking, there is a free helpline you can call in complete confidence. Call 0300 123 1110 (weekdays 9am to 8pm, weekends 11am to 4pm).
Or you can use Alcoholics Anonymous (AA), a free self-help group with a 12-step programme.
The post Recovering alcoholic Sir Anthony Hopkins, 82, reflects on reaching 47 years of sobriety as he urges others to ‘get help’ in powerful message appeared first on My Celebrity Life.
