Denzel Washington, the iconic actor renowned for his roles across multiple acclaimed films, is celebrating ten years of sobriety. This milestone marks not only his personal transformation but also sheds light on the struggles he faced with alcohol addiction, particularly his deep-rooted love for wine, which at one time spiraled out of control.
Washington, now 70, openly discussed his drinking history during a recent interview with Esquire magazine. His relationship with alcohol, particularly wine, began innocently enough; he enjoyed the finer tastes and was known to have amassed an impressive collection of 10,000 bottles. Yet, beneath this veneer of connoisseurship lay the beginnings of addiction.
The actor's drinking habits took shape over several years, where he found himself purchasing extravagant bottles priced at $4,000, sometimes consuming two bottles daily. "Wine was my thing, and now I was popping $4,000 bottles just because that's what was left," Washington reflected on his former habits. His wife took notice of his purchasing patterns and questioned why he would only order two bottles. Denzel’s response was sobering: "Because if I order more, I’ll drink more. So I kept it to two bottles, and I would drink them both over the course of the day."
Behind his well-crafted public persona, Washington wrestled with the nature of his drinking. Despite the staggering quantities of wine he consumed, he maintained his professional commitments, asserting, "I never drank when I was working or preparing. I would clean up and go back to work." His dedication to his craft often masked the extent of his drinking, but there came a point where he recognized the damage being done to his body and spirit.
Washington reached his turning point at age 60. He realized he needed to change his lifestyle significantly, moving away from wine and embracing fitness and health. "I started with him [a personal trainer] February of last year. He makes the meals for me and we’re training," Washington explained, noting the physical and emotional benefits of this shift. He has lost weight throughout this transformative phase, stating, "I’m now 190-something pounds on my way to 185."
A significant aspect of Washington’s story is how faith has played a role in his recovery. After giving up drinking ten years ago, he credits God with providing him strength and guidance through his struggles. "God is real. God is love. God is the only way... It’s my job to lift God up, to give Him praise," Washington expressed, highlighting the centrality of faith in his life after alcohol.
Looking toward the future, the actor is optimistic about what lies ahead. "This is the last chapter – if I get another 30, what do I want to do?" he contemplated, considering the long and fruitful life his mother lived until the age of 97. Washington’s reflections challenge others to rethink their approaches to sobriety and the underlying issues tied to addiction.
His story resonates not only because of his celebrity status but also due to the relatable nature of his struggles. Many can find inspiration in his determination to reclaim his life and health, illustrating the reality of addiction's grip and the powerful prospects for recovery. Other celebrities, like Spider-Man star Tom Holland, have similarly found strength through sobriety, sparking conversations around mental health and wellness, especially within the stressful entertainment industry.
Washington's dedication to sobriety is emblematic of how one's past does not define them but can lead to a more meaningful, healthier future when they confront their demons. It serves as motivation for others grappling with addiction to seek help and make monumental changes. His story, now ten years sober, offers hope and proof of resilience, reminding us of the importance of support, faith, and the strength to choose one’s own path.
