Brad Pitt says he 'removed his drinking privileges' and spent 18 months in Alcoholics Anonymous to overcome addiction

The 55-year-old actor was discussing his upcoming movie 'Ad Astra' when he was asked about his struggle with alcoholism

UPDATED MAR 30, 2020

Brad Pitt, one of the biggest movie stars on the planet, showed that no topic is off-limits for him as he discussed his struggle with alcoholism.

During a recent interview with Carrie Bickmore on Monday night's The Project, the 55-year-old actor discussed his upcoming movie 'Ad Astra' before delving into his alcoholism.

Pitt was happy to oblige when Carrie, 38, asked him how important he thought it was to speak openly about his demons. "I think it's important..." he responded, saying that, as human beings, everyone has their own struggles as we're essentially "all the same."

Brad Pitt attends the press conference for the Japanese premiere of 'Ad Astra' at National Museum of Emerging Science and Innovation, Miraikan on September 12, 2019, in Tokyo, Japan. (Getty Images)

"Probably 97 percent of us... That makes us all the same... It's universal," he continued. "I think we all carry deep pains and regrets to different degrees... And we're very good, certainly in my culture, at burying those."

According to him, it was important to speak about addiction in order to move past it and, hopefully, heal from it. "It leads to a more well-rounded, certainly more comfortable existence within yourself, and greater peace of mind. And I find that you can enjoy the good stuff more," he added.

Earlier this month, the 'Fight Club' star opened up to The New York Times about his decision to seek professional help. Following his 2016 split with Angelina Jolie, 44, Pitt revealed he spent 18 months in Alcoholics Anonymous. "I had taken things as far as I could take it, so I removed my drinking privileges," he told the publication.

Pitt added that his support group was mostly composed of other men, and applauded them for their bravery, which he said was encouraging.

Actor Brad Pitt (C), (L-R) Pax Thien Jolie-Pitt, Shiloh Nouvel Jolie-Pitt, Maddox Jolie-Pitt, Jane Pitt, and William Pitt arrive at the Premiere Of Universal Studios' "Unbroken" at TCL Chinese Theatre on December 15, 2014, in Hollywood, California. (Getty Images)

Fortunately, no one betrayed his trust by selling him out, Pitt said, describing the whole experience as "freeing."

"You had all these men sitting around being open and honest in a way I have never heard," he added. "It was this safe space where there was little judgment, and therefore little judgment of yourself."

In August, Jolie was spotted dropping their eldest son Maddox off at his new university in South Korea. She was seen telling a group of students "it seems like a great school" before admitting that she was "trying not to cry."

Us Weekly later learned from an unnamed source that Pitt got to know about Maddox's schooling plans only through the media.