Brad Pitt recently revealed in an interview with Esquire that he has resumed drinking alcohol after maintaining sobriety for seven years. The actor explained that while he is no longer abstinent, he is attempting to manage his intake in a more controlled fashion.

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The end of Brad Pitt's seven-year sobriety streak

During a conversation with Esquire writer Ryan D'Agostino, Brad Pitt admitted that he has "got back off the wagon" following a nearly decade-long period of sobriety. The admission came after D'Agostino questioned whether the wine offered during their meeting was intended only for guests, leading the actor to confess his return to alcohol consumption.

According to the report, Brad Pitt described his current relationship with alcohol as being in a "more restrained manner." He acknowledged that there were moments where he became overconfident in his ability to moderate, noting that certain experiences proved that drinking in large quantities is "not good" for him. this internal struggle suggests a precarious balance between the total abstinence he previously practiced and his current attempt at moderation.

From Alcoholics Anonymous to 'restrained' consumption

The shift toward moderation marks a significant departure from the rigid structure of Alcoholics Anonymous (AA), which Brad Pitt previously credited for his recovery. As Esquire reported, the actor recalled his time in AA as a period of profound vulnerability, describing himself as being "pretty much on my knees" and open to any advice that could help him through a difficult era of his life.

This transition reflects a broader, often contentious debate within recovery circles regarding whether "controlled drinking" is a viable alternative to lifelong sobriety for those with a history of addiction. By describing his need for a "reboot" during his time in AA, Brad Pitt highlighted a period of crisis that necessitated a complete lifestyle overhaul, making his current return to alcohol a point of interest for those following his health and wellness journey.

Bradley Cooper's role in Pitt's 2020 sobriety milestone

The actor's path to sobriety was heavily influenced by his peers in the film industry, most notably Bradley Cooper. During the 2020 National Board of Review Annual Awards Gala, Brad Pitt publicly thanked Bradley Cooper during his acceptance speech for Best Supporting Actor,stating that he becamme sober because of Cooper and that every day since had been happier.

The bond between Brad Pitt and Bradley Cooper underscores the importance of high-profile support systems in Hollywood, where the pressures of fame often intersect with substance abuse. The public nature of this gratitude in 2020 served as a benchmark for Pitt's recovery,making his recent admission of returning to drinking a notable pivot from the narrative of permanent sobriety he had previously shared.

What 'professional' drinking looks like for Cliff Booth's return

As Brad Pitt prepares to reprise his role as Cliff Booth in the upcoming sequel to Quentin Tarantino's Once Upon a Time... in Hollywood, he insists that he must remain "professional" about his alcohol use. This claim raises specific questions about how he defines professional consumption and whether this new approach will impact his rigorous filming schedules or his long-term health.

It remains unclear whether Brad Pitt is currently utilizing any medical supervision or therapeutic support to manage this "restrained" intake, or if he is relying solely on personal willpower. Furthermore, the source does not clarify if this return to drinking is a temporary lapse or a permanent shift in his philosophy toward sobriety, leaving a gap in the understanding of his current recovery status.