Tom Holland has opened up about his sobriety journey, saying giving up alcohol changed the way he viewed himself and helped him recognise “how much I love my best self”.
The Spider-Man star discussed his experience while attending Drink Las Vegas at the Bellagio, where he also reflected on the challenges of being in a city known for its drinking culture, according to TMZ.
“Being in Vegas is so, so easy for me; any excuse to get to Vegas is good,” Holland said, referring to the temptations he associates with visiting the city.
Holland’s decision to quit drinking
Holland previously spoke in detail about his decision to stop drinking during an appearance on Jay Shetty’s On Purpose podcast.
The actor said he had become “enslaved” to alcohol before deciding to take part in Dry January at the beginning of 2022.
What initially started as a one-month challenge eventually became a longer commitment. Holland said remaining sober was particularly difficult because of England’s drinking culture and the role alcohol played in socialising.
“I felt like I couldn’t be social,” he recalled. “I felt like I couldn’t go to the pub and have a lime soda. I couldn’t go out for dinner. I was really, really struggling.”
Holland said he eventually began questioning why he felt so dependent on alcohol.
“I just sort of said to myself, like, ‘Why? Why am I enslaved to this drink? Why am I so obsessed by the idea of having this drink?’” he said.
From Dry January to long-term sobriety
After completing the initial month without alcohol, Holland challenged himself to stay sober for six months.
Reaching that milestone became a turning point for the actor, who said he felt “the happiest I’ve ever been in my life”.
Holland said the experience has since influenced how he thinks about his “best self” and his confidence, helping him develop a healthier relationship with himself.
