AceShowbiz - As Sir Anthony Hopkins celebrated his 87th birthday, he marked an incredible 49 years of sobriety. The Oscar-winning actor, renowned for his roles in films such as "The Silence of the Lambs" and "The Father," took to Instagram to share a poignant message about his journey to sobriety, encouraging others to seek help if they are struggling with alcoholism.

Hopkins recalled the "fatal day" nearly five decades ago when he realized he needed to change his life. Driving drunk and unable to remember anything, he recognized the dire situation he was in.

"Forty-nine years ago today, I stopped," he said in a video, mimicking a drinking gesture. "And I was having such fun. But then I realized I was in big, big trouble because I couldn't remember anything and I was driving a car drunk out of my skull. On that fatal day, I realized I needed help."

He reached out to a support group of individuals facing similar struggles with alcohol addiction. "I phoned up a group, of people like me, alcoholic, and that was it, it was over," he shared. From that moment, Hopkins' life took on new meaning. He described the past 49 years as more fulfilling and enjoyable than those that came before.

Hopkins' message is clear and urgent. "If you do have a problem… having fun is wonderful, having a drink is fine - but if you are having a problem with the booze, there is help," he said. "It's not a terrible deal - it's a condition if you're allergic to alcohol. Get some help. There's plenty of help around."

Reflecting further, he emphasized the importance of recognizing that addiction is a condition that affects many. "One thing I didn't realize, I was not unique. There are thousands of people around like me. Anyway, I got sober and, it sounds a dull word, but I've had a wonderful life. They still employ me, they still give me jobs," he noted.

Hopkins also shared insights from previous years about his desperate situation before getting sober and his newfound understanding of addiction as a mental, physical, and emotional condition. "My life, from that moment on, took on new meaning," he conveyed to his followers, urging anyone in need to reach out to support groups and 12-step programs available worldwide.

Anthony Hopkins' heartfelt message serves as a beacon of hope for young people facing similar battles. The actor, who has experienced an unexpectedly long and rewarding life post-alcoholism, stands as a testament to the power of seeking help and reinventing oneself.

If you or someone you know is struggling with alcohol addiction, resources like the national alcohol helpline Drinkline and various support organizations are available to provide the necessary assistance.