Brad Pitt returns to moderate alcohol use after seven years of sobriety

Actor Brad Pitt has revealed that he has returned to moderate alcohol consumption after seven years of sobriety. In a recent interview with Esquire, Pitt stated that while he may have some glasses of wine, he must approach it with professionalism to avoid excess. He previously addressed his history of alcohol misuse in 2017, noting that he chose to stop drinking during his separation from Angelina Jolie.

Medical experts have raised concerns regarding this decision. Psychiatrist Olivia Pozzolo notes that the bodies of those with a history of dependency react differently to stimuli, often leading to a rapid return to previous consumption patterns. Dr. Arthur Guerra, president of the Instituto Perdizes, added that the body maintains a biological memory of excess, making it easy for individuals to lose control even when attempting to drink socially.

Scientific research supports these concerns. Studies involving mice have shown that prolonged abstinence can lead to brain activity changes in the bed nucleus of the stria terminalis (BNST). These alterations can increase the craving for alcohol, sometimes resulting in consumption that persists even when the substance is made unpalatable, suggesting physical challenges associated with abstinence that contribute to relapse.