
Brad Pitt Reveals His Battle with Addiction and Transformation in Alcoholics Anonymous
2025-06-24
Author: Li
Brad Pitt's Courageous Journey Through Addiction
Hollywood heavyweight Brad Pitt has bravely opened up about his struggles with addiction during a heartfelt conversation on the Armchair Expert podcast, hosted by Dax Shepard. The actor, now 61, candidly discussed how the breakdown of his marriage to Angelina Jolie propelled him toward seeking help and joining Alcoholics Anonymous (AA).
Reflecting on that tumultuous time in his life, Pitt revealed, “I was pretty much on my knees… I needed to wake the f*** up in some areas.” It was a pivotal moment that led him to explore various avenues of healing and ultimately participate in AA meetings.
Finding Strength in Vulnerability
During the podcast, Pitt described his initial apprehension about attending AA but shared how it transformed into a comforting experience. He remarked, “It gives you permission to go, ‘Okay, I’m gonna step out on this edge and see what happens.’ And then I really grew to love it.”
He expressed admiration for Shepard’s candidness, referring to him as “so f***** honest” and likening him to “an elder statesman” within the group. He appreciated the openness of men sharing their personal experiences, struggles, and even humor together.
A Journey Away from Isolation
Pitt, who was raised in Missouri, recounted his upbringing where emotional expression was often stifled. The mantra he grew up with—“Everything is great”—left little room for vulnerability. However, he found solace in AA, describing it as a judgment-free zone that allowed him to confront his darker sides, ultimately leading him to abandon his reliance on alcohol.
Opening up about his past, he acknowledged that alcohol was just one of many substances he used to cope with fame. “In the ‘90s, all that attention really threw me,” he explained. “I really became a bit of a hermit and just bonged myself into oblivion.”
Support from Friends and Family
In a touching moment during a 2020 awards ceremony, Pitt expressed gratitude to fellow actor Bradley Cooper, crediting him with helping him overcome his addiction. “Getting sober has made every day happier ever since,” he affirmed.
Life After Angelina Jolie
Pitt's sobriety journey began amid the emotional turmoil following his split from Jolie in 2016. The former couple shares six children: Maddox, Pax, Zahara, Shiloh, and twins Knox and Vivienne. Their divorce proceedings, which started in 2016, continued for years, culminating in a resolution in December 2024.
Currently, Pitt is navigating life with 34-year-old jewelry executive Ines de Ramon, while Jolie is reportedly single. As Pitt continues on his journey of self-discovery and recovery, his story serves as an inspiring reminder of resilience and the importance of seeking help.