Sir Anthony Hopkins has been sober for 49 years this year. But it took a terrifying moment of realization for him to put the bottle away.
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\Celebrating his 87th birthday this week, Hopkins went on Instagram to celebrate. He also took a look back at his decision to get sober and how it has impacted his life all these decades later.
"Forty-nine years ago today, I stopped," he said in a video. "And 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."
He immediately realized that he needed to stop drinking. Since that day, he decided to stop.
"Then on that fatal day, I realized I needed help. So I got it. I phoned up a group of people like me — alcoholic. And that was it. Sober. I've had more fun these 49 years than ever," he added.
Sir Anthony Hopkins Gives Message
Hopkins also gave a message to other addicts that are struggling out there.
"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," Hopkins said. "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."
Hopkins said that he realized later in life that he wasn't unique and that there others out there that are also struggling.
"One thing I didn't realize, 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," he said.
Hopkins suggested that anyone who is struggling gets the help that they need.
"So if you have a problem, you know where to go. Phone any intergroup, 12-step program, whatever you could do. Because it is a killer," he said. "With that, Happy New Year."
He also captioned the clip, "One day at a time. 49 years. Life is in session. ?."
