Tom Holland Says Alcohol Was ‘Getting in the Way’ of His Career

Tom Holland, the acclaimed star of the Spider-Man franchise, has opened up about his decision to quit drinking in January 2022, explaining how it has positively transformed both his personal and professional life. Holland highlighted that although his career has significantly progressed since making this change, he believes his success may not have been possible had he continued to drink.

In a candid interview with USA Today, the 29-year-old actor shared that his journey to sobriety began with participating in Dry January. While he initially intended to abstain from alcohol for just one month, he realised that alcohol had become too ingrained in his daily routine, leading him to reassess his relationship with drinking. Holland stated, “Drinking was something that was ultimately really getting in the way of my professional life,” acknowledging the detrimental impact alcohol had on his mental clarity and overall wellbeing.

He described the pressures associated with being a prominent actor as a significant source of stress, which he felt drinking only exacerbated. “Being an actor and living your life on the big stage can be really stressful,” he noted. Since choosing sobriety, he has experienced a newfound confidence: “Waking up clear-headed every day and fresh to start the day, I just feel so much more confident in myself as who I am as a person.”

Holland’s commitment to sobriety led him to launch a non-alcoholic beer brand called Bero, inspired by his own experience and the desire for more alcohol-free choices in social settings. He expressed a wish that such alternatives had been available during his initial sober journey, suggesting it could have eased the transition.

As the actor continues to soar professionally, with highly anticipated films such as The Odyssey, Spider-Man: Brand New Day, and Avengers: Doomsday set to be released later this year, he reflected on how his career has flourished since he took the step to stop drinking. “I’ve been so lucky in the last four years that my career has really blossomed in a really lovely way,” he said, adding, “And I don’t know how much of that would’ve come to fruition had I still been drinking.”

In discussing the concept of alcohol, Holland acknowledged its complexities. While he stated that “alcohol can be an amazing thing,” he also warned that it has the potential to be “an incredibly dangerous thing.” He expressed his enthusiasm for the growing trend among young people who are opting for alcohol-free alternatives, believing this shift creates a “safer environment, a more communal environment.”

Holland noted that his friends have followed suit in reducing their own alcohol consumption. He recounted a recent gathering with his mates, remarking on the noticeable difference in the atmosphere compared to past occasions. “This time, I don’t think anyone had a drop of alcohol,” he revealed. He recalled the previous boozy nights, often filled with late-night drinking and subsequent hangovers, contrasting them with the present experience where everyone was fully engaged and present without the after-effects of alcohol.

The impact of sobriety on Holland’s life has been profound. Not only has it improved his professional relationships, but it has also enhanced his personal life, as he reportedly married his long-time partner, Zendaya, earlier this year. The experience of sobriety has instilled in him a deeper appreciation for both his career and his connections with others.

As Holland embarks on the next chapters of his life and career, he remains grateful for the clarity and confidence that sobriety has granted him. His story serves as an inspiration for many, demonstrating that recovery is a personal journey that can lead to greater fulfilment, both in a professional capacity and in one’s personal life.