Tom Holland Opens Up About Sobriety Journey: "The Best Thing I've Ever Done"

Tom Holland, the celebrated actor known for his role as Spider-Man, has opened up about his personal journey to sobriety, revealing that giving up alcohol has been "the best thing I've ever done." In a candid conversation on the "On Purpose with Jay Shetty" podcast, Holland shared his struggles with alcohol and how he felt "confined" by his drinking habits. The decision to quit drinking has not only transformed his life but also had a positive impact on those around him.

Holland’s path to sobriety began after what he described as an "extremely, very boozy" Christmas last year. Motivated to make a change, he decided to participate in "Dry January," a month-long challenge to abstain from alcohol. However, he soon realized he had a deeper issue when all he could think about was having a drink.

"I just was like, 'Wow, maybe I have a bit of an alcohol thing,'" Holland confessed. This realization prompted him to extend his no-drinking rule for another month, but he found it challenging to navigate social situations without alcohol, especially within the context of England's drinking culture.

During this time, Holland began questioning his dependence on alcohol. "I just kind of said to myself, like, 'Why? Why am I shackled to this drink? Why am I so obsessed by the idea of having this drink?'" he reflected. Determined to break free, he set a personal goal to stay sober for six months.

By the time his 27th birthday arrived on June 1, Holland felt he had turned a significant corner. "I was the happiest I’ve ever been in my life," he shared. The decision to remain sober proved to be life-changing.

Holland elaborated on the benefits he has experienced since giving up alcohol, noting improvements in both his physical and mental health. "I could sleep better. I could deal with problems better," he said. "Things that would go wrong on set, that would normally set me off, I could take in my stride. I had much better mental clarity. I felt healthier; I felt fitter."

Holland openly acknowledged his struggle with alcohol addiction, stating, "I'm proud to say it—I was definitely addicted to alcohol. I'm not shying away from that at all."

Holland's commitment to sobriety has had a ripple effect beyond his own life. He mentioned that he has distanced himself from certain social circles, such as the rugby community, which he found to be heavily centered around drinking. Moreover, his decision to quit alcohol has inspired his mother to also get sober. "She’s loving it, and it’s been amazing," he said. "I can’t believe the difference that I feel from not drinking. Yeah, I feel amazing."

Currently, Holland is nine months into a planned year-long break from acting, following an intense filming experience for the Apple TV series The Crowded Room. The show, which involves playing a character based on "the campus rapist" Billy Milligan, has been particularly challenging for Holland, as it involved exploring emotions he had never encountered before.

"We were exploring certain emotions that I have definitely never experienced before," he told Extra TV. The role, coupled with his responsibilities as a producer, took a toll on his mental well-being. "I'm now taking a year off, and that is a result of how difficult this show was," he explained.

Throughout his sober journey and acting break, Holland has been supported by his girlfriend and Spider-Man co-star, Zendaya. Speaking on the "Smartless" podcast, he expressed his gratitude for her presence in his life, saying, "I’m lucky that I have someone like Zendaya in my life." He added, "It’s interesting being in a romantic relationship with someone who is in the same boat as you. You can share your experiences and all that sort of stuff—and that’s worth its weight in gold."

Tom Holland's openness about his struggles with alcohol and his journey to sobriety is a powerful reminder of the challenges and rewards of overcoming addiction. His story not only sheds light on the importance of mental health and self-awareness but also serves as an inspiration to others facing similar battles. As Holland continues to focus on his personal growth and well-being, he remains an influential figure both on and off the screen.