John Goodman: Overcoming Alcoholism and Depression
John Goodman, a celebrated actor known for his roles in films such as The Flintstones, Blues Brothers, Raising Arizona, and The Big Lebowski, has battled alcoholism and depression for most of his life. Despite his struggles, he has managed to overcome his demons and share his story of resilience.
In an interview, Goodman openly admitted that he had a long-standing issue with alcoholism. He acknowledged that if he wanted a drink, nothing could stop him. He even described himself as a “walking heart attack” due to the effects of his excessive drinking.
“I mean, there were many times when I could have drowned. I assume it wasn’t an overdose but a misadventure.”
However, on his 70th birthday, John Goodman celebrated a significant milestone in his journey of recovery. He has been sober since 2007 and has candidly spoken about the challenges of maintaining sobriety.
Goodman revealed that he had vivid nightmares about relapsing and drinking bourbon. He described the internal struggle between wanting to drink and reminding himself of the importance of staying sober.
“I’ll go: Hey, I shouldn’t be doing that.” Then I’ll say, “Waaah, that’s okay! You do that all the time! You’re always sneaking it!” I eventually wake up and say, “No, I don’t.” At first, it worried me. Now, they’re just funny.”
To avoid triggers and maintain his sobriety, Goodman emphasized the importance of being in positive environments that offer support and reinforcement. He recognized that the constant fear of unemployment in his acting career had also influenced his drinking.
“It’s just alcohol. I’m an alcoholic. I would drink regardless. Finding any justification is part of being an alcoholic. However, the stress of my challenging career contributed to it. The entertainment industry is always uncertain, and the fear of layoffs added to the pressure.”
Goodman also acknowledged that his appearance, which he described as resembling a “walking heart attack,” made it even more miraculous that he was hired for acting roles.
Despite the challenges he faced, Goodman expressed his love for acting and the unique experiences it brings. He highlighted the adrenaline rush and exhaustion of performing in theater, comparing it to being “shot out of a cannon.”
However, he noted that filming movies was a different experience that involved waiting and long days, which could be more challenging for him.
In addition to his alcoholism, Goodman struggled with memory issues, often forgetting his lines. He attributed this to his drinking habits and the negative impact they had on his cognitive abilities.
“After a time of drinking, the lines eventually stopped appearing. It also resembled a snowball. It only reinforced my lack of faith in my ability to learn lines. All I need to do is be calm, recognize that there will be lines, and practice patience.”
Furthermore, Goodman revealed that he battled severe depression, describing it as a chemical imbalance that left him feeling unhappy with everything. He expressed a lack of interest in activities and a constant longing for something else.
Throughout his journey, Goodman’s wife, Anna Beth Hartzog, has been a pillar of support. Their marriage has played a crucial role in his sobriety, providing him with the strength and stability needed to overcome his struggles.
John Goodman’s story is a testament to the power of resilience and the possibility of overcoming addiction and mental health challenges. His openness about his experiences serves as an inspiration to others facing similar battles.
If you or someone you know is struggling with addiction or mental health issues, reach out for help and support. Remember, you are not alone.