Anthony Hopkins has opened up about the ‘fatal day’ he quit drinking alcohol
Anthony Hopkins has shed light on the ‘fatal day’ he quit alcohol 49 years ago in celebration of his ‘unexpectedly long life’. The Oscar-winning actor, known for his roles in The Silence of The Lambs and Hitchcock, realised he was in ‘big, big trouble’ when he struggled to remember anything and even admitted to drink-driving.
“Forty-nine years ago today, I stopped,” Anthony said in a video on Instagram. “And I was having such fun. But then I realised I was in big, big trouble because I couldn’t remember anything and I was driving a car drunk out of my skull.
“Then on that fatal day, I realised I needed help. So I got it. I phoned up a group of people like me — alcoholic. And that was it. Sober. Anyway, I’ve had more fun these 49 years than ever.”
In the UK, current guidelines advise against drinking no more than 14 alcoholic ‘units’ over the course of three or more days – equivalent to six medium (175ml) glasses of wine, or six pints of 4% beer. While alcohol misuse can give rise to heart, disease strokes and various cancers over time, there are several damaging short-term effects too.
Memory issues are common, as are vomiting, seizures, lack of consciousness and even violent or ‘reckless’ tendencies. The Welsh actor continued: “If you do have a problem — having fun is wonderful, having a drink is fine — but if you are having a problem with the booze, there is help.
“It’s not a terrible deal — it’s a condition if you’re allergic to alcohol. Get some help. There’s plenty of help around. One thing I didn’t realise, I was not unique. There are thousands of people around like me.
“Anyway, I got sober and, it sounds a dull word, but I’ve had a wonderful life. They still employ me, they still give me jobs.” On New Year’s Eve, Anthony will celebrate his 87th birthday.
In light of this, he added: “I’m going to be 87 in two day’s time. So I’m celebrating my long life — unexpectedly long life. So if you have a problem, you know where to go. Phone any intergroup, 12-step programme, whatever you could do. Because it is a killer.”
If you’re wondering whether you too are facing alcohol misuse problems, the NHS urges you to consider four key factors:
- Do you feel you should cut down on your drinking?
- Have other people criticised your drinking habits?
- Do you feel guilty or bad about your drinking?
- Do you need a drink first thing in the morning, to steady your nerves, or get rid of a hangover?
It also advises: “If you’re concerned about your drinking or someone else’s, a good first step is to see a GP. They’ll be able to discuss the services and treatments available.
“As well as the NHS, there are a number of charities and support groups across the UK that provide support and advice for people with an alcohol misuse problem.”