Tom Holland Reveals His Decision to Quit Drinking After Dry January Struggles

Actor Tom Holland has opened up about his decision to quit drinking after a challenging experience during Dry January 2022. On the October 17 episode of the Rich Roll Podcast, the 28-year-old Spider-Man star candidly discussed the difficulties he faced when attempting to cut out alcohol for the month. Holland admitted that his struggle during that period left a significant impact on him.

"I couldn't quite wrap my head around how much I was struggling without booze in that first month — and it really scared me," Holland said during the interview. He also described the increasing difficulty he experienced as the month went on: "It was no easier. If anything, it got a little bit harder. So I was starting to kind of panic, thinking, 'Damn. I have a bit of an alcohol thing.'"

An unsettling conversation with his doctor regarding his liver health further contributed to Holland's growing concerns about his relationship with alcohol. "Wow, maybe I have a bit of an issue here," Holland recalled thinking at the time.

Determined to better understand his situation, Holland extended his sobriety beyond January. "I got through March and started to feel a little bit better, but was still really struggling," he explained. His goal was to remain sober until his birthday on June 1. "If I can make it to June 1st, which is my birthday, and I can do six months without booze, I will have then proved to myself that I don't have a problem. I'm just young and enjoying a drink."

However, by the time his birthday arrived, Holland began to notice significant improvements in various aspects of his life. "I really started feeling the benefits of a sober life. I started sleeping better. I was handling stressful situations better. My relationship [with Zendaya] was better. My relationship with my family was better. My relationship with my work was better."

Encouraged by the positive changes, Holland chose to commit to a full year without alcohol. "By the time I'd crossed that annual mark, I was done. I was like, 'I'm never gonna drink again because this is the best version of myself.'"

Holland also acknowledged the cultural pressure to drink, particularly in his line of work. "It was my go-to to celebrate, and my go-to to commiserate," he noted, adding that as an actor, the social environment often provided opportunities to drink. "You always have a reason to be drinking. Or, I felt like I always had a reason to be drinking."

Despite never considering himself "a bad drunk," Holland admitted that he lacked the ability to control his drinking once he started. "I wasn't the type of person that could nip to the pub for a pint," he said. "I wanted to lock the door behind me." His realization deepened when he found himself drinking excessively. "I polished off a mini-bar one too many times," he shared.

Holland's candid reflections reveal how his journey toward sobriety has not only improved his well-being but also transformed his relationships and outlook on life. His decision to leave alcohol behind reflects a commitment to personal growth and living life as "the best version" of himself.