Brad Pitt announced he is ending a seven-year period of sobriety and will begin drinking alcohol again.
The decision marks a significant shift for the actor, who has been public about his journey with recovery and health in recent years.
In a wide-range interview with Esquire magazine published on Monday, Pitt said the choice was a personal one. He said he had time to reflect on his relationship with alcohol and noted that his life had changed since he first committed to sobriety [1], [2].
Pitt addressed the transition directly in the interview. "I'm back off the wagon and conscious of my limits," Pitt said [3].
The actor had maintained his abstinence for seven years [1]. During that time, he navigated various professional projects and personal challenges while remaining away from alcohol.
Sources close to the actor said that the period of sobriety provided the necessary space for him to evaluate his habits. One source said that his life changed and he had a lot of time to reflect on his relationship with alcohol [5].
Pitt did not provide specific details regarding the catalyst for the change, but he emphasized his awareness of his current boundaries. He said that the decision came after a period of internal deliberation regarding his current lifestyle and needs.
“"I'm back off the wagon and conscious of my limits."”
Pitt's decision to resume drinking after a long period of abstinence highlights the complexities of long-term recovery and the personal nature of sobriety. By announcing the change through a high-profile medium like Esquire, the actor is framing his return to alcohol as a conscious, controlled choice rather than a relapse, potentially challenging traditional narratives regarding permanent sobriety in the public eye.
