In a message posted on Instagram, the actor confides in the addiction to alcohol from which he suffered. It offers some advice and support for people affected by alcoholism.
- According to the Ministry of Health, alcohol is involved in 49,000 deaths each year in France.
- It is the third leading cause of mortality in the world.
- 24% of French people exceed consumption benchmarks, according to Santé Publique France.
His voice trembles at times, he pauses for a long time. In a message full of emotions published on Instagram, Anthony Hopkins confides in the addiction to alcohol from which he suffered. The American actor, who notably played Dr Hannibal Lecter in Thesilenceofthelambs, has now been sober for almost fifty years.
Alcoholism: Anthony Hopkins gives his advice
“47 years ago, he explains, I was in a desperate state, completely dejected, I didn’t have much longer to live. One day I had to accept that I had a problem. I have understood at that time that the condition I was in, this mental, physical, emotional suffering, was alcoholism, or more precisely the addiction.”
From the outset, he wants to reassure: his message is not intended to be heavy or sad, but filled with hope. To people suffering from alcoholism or addiction, he says “be kind to yourself“He also advises staying away from toxic people.”To all the young people, don’t listen to the lecturers, don’t let them pull you down, be proud of yourself.” The 85-year-old actor recommends asking for help if needed. He cites in particular the program of the Twelve Steps and the Twelve Traditions, the method of Alcoholics Anonymous for recovering from addiction. “Get help, don’t be ashamed and don’t let anyone put you down.”he insists.
Addiction: what is alcoholism?
As the Health Insurance reminds us, there is no risk of alcohol consumption. However, we speak of addiction when a person feels the need or the need to drink alcohol. “Alcohol dependence often sets in insidiously, indicates the Alcohol – Info – Service platform. It can take years before the person who drinks or those around them really become aware of its existence.“Especially since people who are dependent on alcohol develop a form of tolerance: they have to drink more to have the effects they want.
Alcohol consumption has multiple health consequences: it increases the risk of cancer and chronic disease. “Regular and excessive alcohol consumption can also have negative consequences on the social and professional life of the drinker: absenteeism, job loss, delinquency, reduced quality of life, tensions with those around them, etc.recalls the Ministry of Health. It is also a major risk factor for the occurrence of fatal road accidents and intra-family and extra-family violence..”
Alcoholism: what support to get out of addiction?
Stopping drinking when you are addicted to alcohol is done in stages. L’Health Insurance specifies that weaning must be preceded by a phase of reflection and awareness of addiction, and that it is essential to be surrounded by health professionals and relatives. The organization explains that weaning is based on three elements: correct hydration, supplementation with vitamins B1 and B6 and treatment with benzodiazepines for about a week to limit the withdrawal syndrome, which is a physical manifestation of lack.
As a reminder, it is advisable not to exceed two glasses of alcohol per day, and not every day, for a total of ten glasses maximum per week.
