June 24, 2025, 10:58 am | Read time: 4 minutes
Nine years have passed since the end of what was likely Hollywood’s most beloved couple: Brangelina has been history since 2016. Following an incident on a plane involving one of their children, Angelina Jolie filed for divorce from Brad Pitt. Pitt later admitted to having an alcohol problem. He recently shared his experience with a program that helped him get back on his feet: Alcoholics Anonymous.
Oscar winner Brad Pitt rarely gives long interviews, and even more rarely does he get personal. For the podcast “Armchair Expert” by Hollywood colleague Dax Shepard, he not only took his time but also spoke candidly. Brad Pitt even discussed his alcohol problem with Shepard and co-host Monica Padman. He revealed a special connection to Shepard, as the two men met by chance at Alcoholics Anonymous–the start of a friendship between two actors fighting the same addiction.
Overview
“Open to Anything”
“I was at rock bottom and open to anything,” Brad Pitt revealed about his situation that led him to his first AA meeting. “I tried everything and everyone. Anything anyone threw at me. It was a tough time. I had to wake up in some areas of my life, damn it.”
“It Was Honest”
Brad Pitt described his AA experience in more detail: “In my opinion, there were just incredibly great men sharing their experiences, weaknesses, missteps, desires, their pain, and a lot of humor. I found this to be a really special experience.” He continued, “I respected it a lot. It was very open and honest. It was a way to turn what you brought into the evening into something funny. That meant a lot to me.”
Incidentally, the actor has also overcome another addiction: nicotine. “I smoked for 30 years, that’s enough,” Brad Pitt emphasized at the beginning of the podcast episode.
Also interesting: Sexy muscles at 61! How does Brad Pitt do it?
Brad Pitt Grew Up as a “Tough Guy”
When Dax Shepard asked if it was difficult for him as a megastar to seek out Alcoholics Anonymous and show vulnerability, Brad Pitt admitted to being generally shy in social situations and nervous before his first AA meeting. However, the openness of the other participants gave him the space to open up as well. This was likely a new experience for the 61-year-old, as he also revealed growing up in a time and place where the “Tough Guy” mentality prevailed. He learned that being male meant being as competent as possible and not showing emotions, especially weakness.
How did he manage to shed what he had learned and take new paths? “I’m very stubborn, but when I mess up, I’m also pretty good at owning it and taking responsibility,” said Brad Pitt. “Now it’s about the questions: What do I do with it? How can I make amends? And ensure that something like this doesn’t happen again.”
Brad Pitt on His Alcohol Problem: “I Was at Rock Bottom!”
Kawasaki Disease – Symptoms of the Heart Disease That Primarily Affects Children
Ex-Bachelor Oliver Sanne: “I was close to being in a wheelchair”
How Does Alcohol Addiction Manifest?
Brad Pitt is far from alone with his alcohol problem. In the U.S., about 15 million people over the age of 12 are alcohol dependent, while in Germany, nearly eight million adults consume alcohol at a health-risking level.1,2
This is defined as an average consumption of more than 12 grams of pure alcohol (women) or 24 grams (men) per day.3 Women reach between 10 and 12 grams of pure alcohol (and thus a risky consumption) with about one 0.3-liter beer, a 4-cl glass of schnapps, or 0.125 liters of wine daily. For men, the risky amount begins at about double that. High consumption is more than 80 grams of alcohol per day (women) or more than 120 grams (men).4
Alcohol addiction often develops gradually, accompanied by an increasing craving and a worsening physical and mental state. A cycle of relapses after attempts at abstinence is typical. Early signs include a strong, persistent craving and loss of control over drinking. Those affected develop tricks to obtain alcohol despite control, neglect daily life, work, and relationships, and often deny their problem–frequently drinking in secret.
The Criteria of Alcohol Dependence
- A compulsion to consume alcohol
- Difficulty controlling alcohol consumption
- Physical withdrawal symptoms when too little or no alcohol is consumed
- Evidence of tolerance
- Neglect of hobbies, family, etc.
- Not stopping drinking despite physical or psychological consequences5
Where Can Those Affected Get Help?
Addiction counseling centers such as Alcoholics Anonymous or Blaues Kreuz, the Freundeskreise für Suchtkranke, or the Kreuzbund are possible first points of contact for people who have recognized problematic drinking behavior in themselves or someone close to them. The family doctor is also a good point of contact if alcoholism is suspected. Important: The cycle of alcohol addiction requires professional help and support.