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Kit Harington has opened up about his experience of sobriety, saying he feels like a “completely different person”.
He game of Thrones The actor, who played Jon Snow in all eight seasons of the fantasy drama, went to rehab in 2019 for addiction, with alcohol being one of the contributing factors.
Talking with GQ hypeThe father-of-two said: “I was very lucky to have gotten sober before I had kids,” adding that at one point it was “physically and emotionally impossible not to drink again”.
Laying bare his experience of self-hatred and low self-esteem during his addiction, the 37-year-old continued: “I would look in the mirror and call myself an asshole. I hated myself. I literally despised myself and I wasn't proud of anything I'd done. I couldn't be proud.
“The fact that I am proud of having become sober is in itself a sign that I am a completely different person. And now, every time I get on stage, whatever job I do, I am proud of it, because I know that I put my best effort into it.
“I used to have a huge monkey on my back that weighed me down. So yes, the idea of feeling proud of myself is something relatively new for me.”
Although Harington is not sure if he will continue like this, he added: “Look, I can’t predict what the future will bring. I may have a massive, chaotic, messy relapse. And I hope that doesn’t happen. But I think I protect myself by talking about it.”
Explaining why he is so open about his challenges with addiction, he explained that he hopes it will help others to hear from people in the public eye, “who had the same problem and who are living a really, really happy and content life, and they can't imagine going back to what they were.” [would be] returning to.”
In an interview with The Guardian In 2022, he confirmed that he is “on the right track.” [his] “The Road to Recovery” and recommended sobriety to others who might be considering it: “All I can say to anyone who is thinking about it is that it is a wonderful way to live life. It saved me, without a doubt.”
Harington has already spoken publicly about his mental health, previously revealing that he sought therapy between seasons five and six of Game of Thrones.
If you or someone you know is suffering from alcohol addiction, you can confidentially call the national alcohol helpline Drinkline on 0300 123 1110 or visit the NHS website. here For information about programs available to you.
If you or someone you know is suffering from drug addiction, you can seek confidential help and support 24/7 from Frank by calling 0300 123 6600, texting 82111, sending an email or by visiting their website here.
In the US, you can contact the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration at 1-800-662-HELP
