Alec Baldwin opens up about his sobriety journey and the consequences of his actions both professionally and personally while admitting he misses the alcohol.
- May 2, 2024
AceShowbiz - Alec Baldwin, a name synonymous with both cinematic acclaim and controversy, recently shared his profound journey from addiction to sobriety and the legal challenges that loom large in his life. Almost four decades have passed since Baldwin decided to turn his life around after years of struggling with substance abuse.
Speaking on the "Our Way with Paul Anka and Skip Bronson" podcast, Baldwin, 66, revealed he hasn't touched drugs since 1985, a decision that came after "a white-hot problem" with cocaine and alcohol consumption following his move to Los Angeles in 1983.
Baldwin humorously recounted his rampant drug use, saying at one point, "I think I snorted a line of cocaine from here to Saturn," to highlight the extent of his addiction. "I mean, cocaine was like coffee back then. Everybody was doing it all day long," he quipped.
However, laughter aside, Baldwin's substance abuse led to increased alcohol consumption once he decided to quit drugs - a switch that posed its own set of challenges. "And 'cause I stopped doing drugs, my drinking increased - which they tell you that's going to happen - and that did happen. I just started drinking," he said. "And the thing I miss is drinking. I don't miss drugs at all, but I do miss drinking."
Nevertheless, Baldwin credits his sobriety to his life in New York and the grounding influence of his family. Despite missing the act of drinking, he acknowledges the pain and turmoil that preceded his sobriety, emphasizing the lucky break he got in getting sober at a relatively young age.
Baldwin's sobriety journey intertwines with his personal and professional life, marked by moments of intense scrutiny. Perhaps most notably, his role in the tragic accidental shooting on the set of the film "Rust," which resulted in the death of cinematographer Halyna Hutchins and led to Baldwin's indictment on involuntary manslaughter charges.
This incident, paired with Baldwin's sobriety and past controversies, paints a complex picture of a man navigating accountability on multiple fronts.
As Baldwin prepares to potentially face trial, his journey underscores a broader narrative of resilience and accountability. His decision to share this story serves as a testament to the power of confronting one's demons and the continuous effort to build a life marked by sobriety and introspection.
For young people watching, Baldwin's story is a poignant reminder of the challenges and triumphs that come with facing one's past and forging a path forward, grounded in accountability and the pursuit of a better self.
