Brad Pitt's Candid Confession on Alcohol Addiction and Divorce Struggles
When Brad Pitt decided to speak about one of the most challenging periods in his life, his honesty took many by surprise. Following his separation from Angelina Jolie, the actor faced a profound personal crisis, compelling him to confront his issues with alcohol and take accountability for his actions.
The Turning Point: Joining Alcoholics Anonymous
Since then, Pitt has been remarkably transparent in various interviews, explaining how the divorce aftermath drove him to seek help. He revealed that a pivotal moment was attending his first Alcoholics Anonymous meeting, which he described as life-changing. According to Entertainment Weekly, Pitt was deeply affected by the end of his marriage, which also strained his relationships with his children. This realization prompted him to seek a reset and face harsh truths about himself.
He joined AA shortly after Jolie filed for divorce in 2016, a time he referred to as one of the lowest points in his life. On Dax Shepard's Armchair Expert podcast last year, Pitt expressed feeling "on my knees," as the breakup forced him to address long-standing personal issues, particularly his drinking habits.
Embracing Openness and Therapy
Pitt and Shepard connected over their AA experiences, with Pitt highlighting the liberation of lowering his guard and revealing hidden aspects of himself. In a 2019 New York Times interview and again on the podcast, he emphasized the value of this openness, stating, "It was when I first was getting sober. I just thought it was incredible: men sharing their experiences, their foibles, their missteps, their wants, their aches, and a lot of humor with it. I thought it was a really special experience."
Growing up in Missouri, where emotional expression was uncommon, this level of honesty was new to him. Shepard initially doubted Pitt's ability to open up due to his fame, but Pitt learned to cherish these meetings. Shepard remarked, "You were so f---ing honest. I was like, he must have a stubbornness like I have, which is like, 'Yeah, all this is going on, but I refuse to let it not let me be a person.'" Pitt attributed his openness to hitting rock bottom, saying, "I was pretty much on my knees, and I was really open. I was trying anything and everyone. Anything anyone threw at me. It was a difficult time. I needed rebooting. I needed to wake the f--- up in some areas. And it just meant a lot to me."
Known for owning his mistakes, Pitt added, "When I've stepped in s---, I'm pretty good at taking responsibility for it and owning up to it. And now it's a quest to, you know, 'What do I do with this? How can I right this?' And make sure it doesn't happen again." Over time, AA meetings became something he eagerly anticipated, as the collective openness made it easier for him to share. He adopted a similar approach in therapy, admitting, "When I jumped into therapy then, I was just like, 'And I did this and I did that and da da da da,'" reflecting his desperation at the time.
Background on Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie's Relationship
Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie were once celebrated as Hollywood's golden couple. They first met in 2004 on the set of Mr. & Mrs. Smith, while Pitt was still married to Jennifer Aniston, sparking widespread rumors and public scrutiny. Despite the gossip, they formed a relationship and built a large, blended family, raising six children: Maddox, Pax, Zahara, Shiloh, and twins Knox and Vivienne. They gained fame not only for their film careers but also for their humanitarian work through the Jolie-Pitt Foundation.
After nearly a decade together, they married in a private ceremony in France in 2014. However, the marriage lasted only two years, with Jolie filing for divorce in 2016, citing irreconcilable differences. The split became contentious after an alleged incident on a private plane, which authorities investigated without charging Pitt. The divorce evolved into a media spectacle, with prolonged custody and financial disputes playing out publicly. For Pitt, this period marked a crucial turning point, leading him to address his alcohol addiction. After eight years of legal battles, the divorce was finalized in 2024.
Disclaimer: If you or someone you know is struggling with alcohol or substance abuse, please seek help from available helplines or support organizations.
