Denzel Washington Reveals Alcohol Struggles and the Turning Point That Changed Everything

Denzel Washington is pulling back the curtain on a deeply personal chapter of his life, revealing the toll his battle with alcohol took on his body and mind.

While promoting his highly anticipated new movie, Gladiator II, the Oscar-winning actor sat down with Esquire for an unfiltered interview, discussing his love affair with wine, his struggles, and his journey to sobriety.

The story began in 1999 when Denzel constructed a jaw-dropping ten-thousand-bottle wine cellar in his home—a move he now admits only fueled his drinking habits. He described indulging in $4,000 bottles of wine, though he kept his intake to two bottles at a time. His wife, Pauletta, once questioned why he limited his orders to just two bottles, to which he replied, “If I ordered more, I’d drink more.”

Denzel shared that his drinking became cyclical—three months of heavy wine consumption followed by sobriety during his film shoots. This pattern persisted for 15 years, leaving what he called “a lot of damage to the body.”

While reflecting on his journey, Denzel revealed he never turned to heroin or cocaine but confessed to experimenting with “dope,” though he was fortunate not to develop an addiction. Today, the Hollywood legend proudly celebrates 10 years of sobriety, saying, “I haven’t had a thimble’s worth since.”

This milestone marks a new chapter for Denzel, who continues to thrive professionally and personally.

Congrats, Denzel! What are your thoughts on his honest revelations and journey to sobriety? Share your thoughts in the comments below—we’d love to hear from you!