Brad Pitt’s decision to get sober came at a moment when his personal life was coming apart. In 2016, as his split from Angelina Jolie played out in the public eye, he hit what he later described as a deeply painful low. It was then that he turned to Alcoholics Anonymous—a choice he credits with helping him rebuild from the inside out.
During a candid conversation on Dax Shepard’s “Armchair Expert” podcast, the actor reflected on the experience that helped him reset. “I just thought it was incredible,” Pitt said about his time in AA. "Men expressing their experiences, faults, errors, wants, and aches, all with a sense of humor. I thought it was a special experience.”
Divorce and Its Ripple Effects
Instagram | @toscanamagazine | Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie's highly publicized 2016 separation profoundly impacted their lives.
The separation between Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie didn’t just make headlines—it reshaped both of their lives. Their breakup in 2016 came after more than ten years together and two years of marriage. The split quickly turned into a prolonged and difficult chapter.
During the process, Angelina Jolie alleged that Pitt acted aggressively during a flight that year—claims he denied. Their divorce wasn’t finalized until December 2024, after years of legal battles and personal upheaval.
Yet amid the legal turmoil, Pitt turned inward. His path to sobriety didn’t just involve avoiding alcohol—it demanded deep personal reflection. He admitted on the podcast that he felt emotionally defeated. “I was pretty much on my knees, and I was really open,” he revealed. “I was trying anything and everyone. Anything anyone threw at me.”
He emphasized the need to “wake the f--k up,” explaining that Alcoholics Anonymous became a space where he could truly grow. The environment of shared vulnerability helped him break through emotional walls.
“It gives you permission in a way to go, ‘Okay, I’m gonna step out on this edge and see what happens.’ And then I really grew to love it,” he explained.
What Sobriety Meant for His Life
The actor, who co-stars with Javier Bardem and Damson Idris in "F1: The Movie," attributes his emotional recovery to AA. He attended meetings for nearly 18 months following the split and described it as a chance to reconnect with himself in meaningful ways.
In an earlier interview with The New York Times, Pitt shared how that chapter helped him better understand his emotional triggers. It wasn’t just about removing alcohol—it was about rewiring how he handled pain, conflict, and pressure.
Despite years of fame and accolades, Pitt faced an internal battle that fame couldn’t shield him from. The AA meetings gave him a safe place to confront that reality without judgment.
Moving Forward With Clarity
Instagram | @michaelandrewsbespoke | Focused and calm, Brad Pitt is clearly rebuilding his life and career from within after his divorce.
Recently, Pitt made a rare comment about the finalization of his divorce. Speaking with GQ, he downplayed the legal milestone, saying, “No, I don’t think it was that major of a thing. Just something coming to fruition. Legally.”
Now dating Ines De Ramon, the actor appears to have found a more peaceful rhythm in his life. Though he’s kept much of his private life under wraps in recent years, moments like his AA reflections reveal how much growth came from that turbulent period.
With more projects lined up and a calm demeanor in interviews, Brad Pitt’s focus seems clearer than ever. He’s not just building a career post-divorce—he’s rebuilding from the inside out.
Brad Pitt’s reflections remind audiences that growth often starts when things fall apart. His candid look into recovery offers not just inspiration but a powerful reminder that healing remains possible—even under the spotlight.