Brad Pitt has resumed drinking alcohol after seven years of sobriety, according to reports from Austrian media outlets. The actor, known for his role as stuntman Cliff Booth in The Adventures of Cliff Booth, which begins its theatrical run in November, admitted during an interview with Esquire that he had relapsed into drinking. However, he described the situation as more moderate, noting that while he occasionally overindulged, he recognized that excessive consumption did not benefit him. Pitt’s return to alcohol follows a period of intense personal struggle. In previous interviews, including one with the podcast Armchair Expert with Dax Shepard, he detailed how his problematic relationship with alcohol contributed significantly to his personal challenges. He recounted being “so ziemlich am Boden, auf den Knien”, extremely low, and having tried everything offered to him. His time with Alcoholics Anonymous played a key role in his recovery journey. His wife, Angelina Jolie, once referred to his drinking habits as a major factor in their divorce in 2016. At the time, she revealed that there were frequent incidents involving her and their children, and domestic violence concerns were raised. Although no criminal charges were filed, the marriage ended, leading to a custody battle. Pitt later acknowledged that his behavior had caused many problems, some of which were directly tied to his marital issues. In 2017, Pitt spoke openly about undergoing therapy and maintaining sobriety. He credited his friend Bradley Cooper, who had been sober since 2004, for helping him understand the impact of his drinking. Since then, he has repeatedly discussed the consequences of his past behavior. Last year, he shared his experiences with Alcoholics Anonymous, describing himself as “so ziemlich am Boden, auf den Knien,” emphasizing how deeply affected he had been by his addiction. Now, with the release of The Adventures of Cliff Booth approaching, Pitt has again touched upon his drinking history. During the Esquire interview, he stated, “Ich war sieben Jahre lang trocken. Und dann bin ich wieder rückfällig geworden.” While acknowledging this relapse, he emphasized that it was not severe. “Auf etwas gemäßigtere Weise. Ich bin ein paar Mal übermütig geworden, habe dann aber gemerkt: Das tut mir nicht gut. Nicht in großen Mengen.” This admission comes amid broader discussions around substance abuse and recovery. A psychotherapist named Monika Spiegel explained that controlled drinking can work under certain conditions but becomes increasingly difficult as dependency progresses. She noted that physical symptoms such as shaking, sweating, or restlessness indicate a loss of control, making sustained sobriety harder to maintain. Spiegel also highlighted psychological signs, such as cravings, which often precede physical dependence. In Austria, where alcohol consumption is generally accepted, regular drinking is sometimes viewed as harmless. However, she stressed that the key distinction lies in losing control, moving from enjoyment to problematic consumption. She pointed out that even small indulgences, like drinking two beers instead of one, can mark the beginning of a slippery slope. Pitt’s current stance suggests a cautious approach to drinking. While he acknowledges his relapse, he does not appear to be returning to heavy consumption. This balance reflects both his ongoing struggle with addiction and his awareness of its potential consequences. As he prepares for his new film role, his public discussion of his drinking history continues to highlight the complex relationship between celebrity, personal health, and public perception.
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