Denzel Washington Reflects on Sobriety and Past Struggles with Alcohol and Drugs

 

Legendary actor Denzel Washington has opened up about his journey to sobriety and the toll his past lifestyle has taken on his body. In an interview for the Winter issue of Esquire, the 69-year-old Oscar winner, who has been sober for nearly a decade, candidly discussed his struggles with alcohol and drug use, admitting, “I’ve done a lot of damage to the body.”

Washington revealed that his habits started with wine, which he described as a “tricky” vice. “Wine is very slow. It ain’t like, boom, all of a sudden,” he shared. While he avoided hard drugs and heavy liquor, Washington acknowledged that his passion for wine escalated over time, leading to significant indulgence.

“I had this ideal idea of wine tastings... but it became more. I was popping $4,000 bottles just because that’s what was left,” he said, recounting how he would call upscale wine shops to order expensive bottles. Despite limiting himself to two bottles a day to maintain control, Washington admitted, “I’d drink them both over the course of the day.”

Despite his heavy drinking during off periods, Washington maintained discipline on set. “I never drank while I was working or preparing. I would clean up, go back to work — I could do both,” he explained. His pattern involved months of sobriety while filming, followed by drinking during breaks.

The actor noted that while filming the 2012 drama Flight, in which he portrayed an alcoholic pilot, he was not drinking. “I wasn’t drinking then. But I knew a lot about waking up and looking around, not knowing what happened,” he said.

Washington’s turning point came in December 2014, shortly after his 60th birthday. Reflecting on his decision to quit drinking, he said, “I’ve been clean. But I’ve done a lot of damage to the body. We’ll see.”

Now nearing his 70th birthday on December 28, Washington acknowledged entering what he calls “the last chapter.” Recently, the actor announced plans to retire after completing his next slate of films, signaling the end of an illustrious career that has inspired millions.

As he prepares to close this chapter, Washington’s story of overcoming addiction and reflecting on his life serves as a poignant reminder of resilience and personal growth.