Anthony Hopkins shares hopeful message celebrating 48 years sober ahead of New Years Eve

People are flooding to social media in support of Anthony Hopkins after he shared an 'inspirational' new year's message.

The actor and director - best known for his role as Hannibal Lecter in The Silence of the Lambs - gave up alcohol in December 1975.

This year marked Hopkin's 48th year of sobriety and he took the opportunity to share a message with his followers ahead of New Year's Eve - a time known for heavy drinking. Prepare to love Hopkins even more than you already do:

Hopkins has previously spoken out about the moment he decided he needed to give up drinking alcohol.

In an interview with the Wealth business blog, he explained he experienced 'a wake up call' in in December 1975 after waking up in a hotel room in Arizona and not having any recollection of how he got there or why he was there.

The actor said: "I was heading for disaster, drinking myself to death. I'm not preachy, but I got a message, a little thought that said: 'Do you want to live or die?' And I said I wanted to live."

And in celebration of the 48 years since he made that decision to 'live' and to give hope to others who are facing similar addiction challenges themselves, Hopkins uploaded a video of himself to his Instagram page yesterday (29 December).

Orion Pictures

In the video, the actor says: "Hello there. Happy new year to you all. All you revellers and drinkers and all having fun - wonderful! Happy new year, have a great time.

"If you get a hangover, remember me. I don't get them anymore because 48 years ago today, I stopped, I got help for it and my life changed.

"I don't envy you having fun out there, but if you need help, a day at a time, life is in session, go for it."

The caption reads: "Wishing everyone a healthy and prosperous 2024. One day at a time, today I am 48 years sober. Life is in session."

Fans of the actor are flocking to the post in support of his journey to sobriety and his encouraging words to others who may find this time of the year a struggle.

Instagram/ @anthonyhopkins

One Instagram user wrote: "Congratulations on 48!!! I got two years and two months in and they have been the most meaningful days of my life! Thanks for the encouragement."

"To 48 years of courage, resilience, and transformation. Your journey is a testament to the power of recovery. Congratulations!" Another added.

A third commented: "You’re the coolest, Tony!! Congrats on another year of sobriety, you inspire so many. Wishing you a very happy birthday and much prosperity and good health in the new year. Enjoy yourself as you always do!"

And a fourth said: "Congrats on 48 years sober. What an inspiration you are. Happy new year Tony."

If you've been affected by addiction and want to speak to someone in confidence you can call American Addiction Centers on (888) 830-7624 24 hours, seven days a week, or contact them through their website.