Brad Pitt: "I'll drink like a pro, ending 7 years of sobriety," as concerns over potential relapse into alcohol addiction pour in

*This content was translated by AI.

Actor Brad Pitt revealed that he has resumed drinking after seven years of abstinence, prompting fans to voice concerns about a possible return to alcohol addiction. Even among recovery experts, opinions are sharply divided. Adding to the debate, UFC star Conor McGregor stepped forward, stating, "I will also have a drink in support of Pitt."

In a recent Esquire interview, Pitt announced that he has ended seven years of sobriety and stopped attending Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) meetings for 18 months, resuming alcohol consumption. He stated, "I'm not drinking as much as before; I'm doing it in a controlled manner. A few glasses of wine are fine, but not too many. I aim to manage it like a professional."

This statement drew skeptical reactions from the recovery community. On Reddit's sobriety-related boards, comments emerged such as, "Saying 'a few glasses are fine' is something relapsed alcoholics have historically always said," and "If control were possible, there would have been no need to consider controlling it in the first place."

Conversely, expert perspectives were more nuanced. Jo Shrunk, a clinical social worker with over 20 years of experience in addiction treatment, offered a cautious response, noting, "Alcoholics are often their own worst source of information about themselves," while adding, "Not everyone needs to remain completely abstinent for life. Recovery is not a straight line but a living process with ups and downs." Keith Humphreys, a professor at Stanford University and addiction researcher, pointed out that "individuals with lower dependency levels, strong social support systems, and no serious psychiatric issues are more likely to succeed in returning to controlled drinking," suggesting Pitt may meet these conditions.

The article attracted nearly 300 reader comments, reflecting sharply divided opinions. Many expressed skepticism. One reader argued, "Addicts crumble more on the second or third drink than the first. Saying 'a few drinks are fine' is like continuously giving oneself a free pass to believe 'as long as nothing bad happens, it's okay.'" Another reader with extensive sobriety experience shared their own story: "I quit completely for five years in my 50s, then had one glass of wine at a concert. That single drink was enough, and there were no issues."

On the other hand, some defended the idea that "abstinence is not the only correct answer" and that people can recover and live normally. Others questioned the very label of "addict," asking, "Who labeled him an alcoholic? Did they even conduct a blood test?" Several comments emphasized respect for his privacy, stating, "This is his life and his choice."

Amid this discussion, UFC star Conor McGregor posted on his X account on the 11th: "In support of my fellow actor Brad Pitt, I've decided to have a few drinks," accompanied by a message saying, "Take care, Brad," along with a video of him drinking his own beer brand, "Forged Stout." This marks a reversal for McGregor, who had declared sobriety just weeks prior ahead of his UFC comeback fight. However, critics noted that he repeatedly mentioned his beer brand in the post, raising concerns about promotional intent.

<© STARNEWS. All rights reserved. No reproduction or redistribution allowed.>

*This content was translated by AI.