Anthony Hopkins Shares Sobriety Journey and Mental Health Views

Anthony Hopkins, the acclaimed Oscar-winning actor, recently opened up about his struggles with sobriety and mental health in an interview with The Sunday Times. The 87-year-old reflected on how his father’s own struggles with alcohol influenced his journey, admitting that he often felt there was “something not right” with his own mind.

During the interview, Hopkins revealed that it was the legendary actor Laurence Olivier who initially encouraged him to seek therapy. Although he attended sessions with a therapist, he described the experience as “boring” and ultimately decided to stop. “He kept saying, ‘Let’s go back,’ and I’d just go, ‘I don’t want to do this,’” Hopkins recounted, adding that he was disheartened to learn his therapist had been married three times. “I thought, ‘Oh, all is well with you,’ and that finalized my decision,” he said.

Reflections on Autism and Mental Health Labels

Hopkins’ third wife, Stella Arroyave, has suggested that he might be on the autism spectrum, particularly referencing traits associated with Asperger’s syndrome. “I’m obsessed with numbers. I’m obsessed with detail,” he explained, noting his need for order and memorization. Despite Arroyave’s insights, Hopkins expressed skepticism toward mental health labels.

“I guess I’m cynical because it’s all nonsense. It’s all rubbish,” Hopkins stated. “ADHD, OCD, Asperger’s, blah, blah, blah. Oh God, it’s called living. It’s just being a human being, full of tangled webs and mysteries.”

While acknowledging the complexities of the human condition, he criticized the trend of labeling mental health conditions, suggesting it has become fashionable. “Who cares? But now it’s fashion,” he remarked, offering a candid view of his own profession. “I look at my life and think, ‘I haven’t done a day’s work in my life.’”

A Journey to Sobriety

As he approaches the milestone of 50 years of sobriety, Hopkins reflected on the pivotal moment he recognized his alcoholism. Driving drunk in California, he faced a terrifying realization: “I could have killed somebody – or myself,” he shared. This moment of clarity pushed him to seek help, leading to a life-changing phone call to a local 12-step program.

Upon attending a meeting, he experienced a profound shift in perception. “It’s all over. Now you can start living,” he recalled hearing, which helped him release his craving for alcohol almost immediately. “I don’t know or have any theories except divinity,” he added, attributing his transformation to an internal force that he believes has been with him since birth.

Hopkins candidly discussed his past relationship with alcohol, admitting, “I was drinking like it was going out of fashion.” He described the substance as a means to escape discomfort, stating, “You know booze is terrific because it instantly feels in a different space and I enjoyed that.” Today, he finds solace in a clearer perspective on life.

As he prepares to celebrate his sobriety milestone, Hopkins continues to grapple with his personal narratives regarding mental health and self-identity. His reflections not only shed light on his struggles but also highlight the broader conversations around mental health in society.