Kit Harington has shared his journey to sobriety, revealing that he feels like an "entirely different person" since overcoming his struggles with addiction.
The Game of Thrones star, who became a household name playing Jon Snow in the hit series, sought treatment in rehab in 2019, with alcohol being a significant factor in his battle.
Speaking to GQ Hype, he said: “I was so lucky I got sober before having kids,” adding that at one point it felt “physically and emotionally impossible for me not to drink again.”
Looking back on his past, the 37-year-old actor opened up about the deep self-loathing he experienced during his addiction and admitted: "I would stare in the mirror and call myself a c**t."
While Harington, who is married to fellow actor Rose Leslie, remains hopeful about his future, he acknowledged the uncertainty that comes with recovery, and shared: "I can't tell what the future brings.
“I might have one massive, messy, chaotic relapse. And I hope that doesn't happen. But I think I protect myself by talking about it."
Reflecting on his personal growth, Harington noted that his pride in overcoming addiction is a testament to how much he has changed as a person.
He shared: “The fact that I am proud of getting sober is in and of itself a mark of being an entirely different person. And now, every set I step onto, whatever work I do, I’m proud of, because I know I put everything into it.
“Whereas before I had this huge monkey on my back that was just, like, weighing me down. So yeah, the whole nature of being proud of myself is a relatively new prospect for me.”
The British star has been candid about his challenges because he believes it's important for others to hear from public figures who have faced similar issues and are now living fulfilling lives.
Harington said he hopes that by sharing his story, he can offer hope to those who are struggling, showing that it's possible to lead a “really, really genuinely happy, content life” after addiction “and can’t imagine going back to what I [would be] going back to.”
Previously, Harington told The Guardian in 2022 that he is "well on [his] path to recovery" and encouraged others who might be contemplating sobriety to take the step.
"All I can say to anyone thinking about it is it’s a wonderful way of living your life. It saved me, for sure," he said at the time.
Currently, the TV star is appearing on the West End in Jeremy O.Harris’s Slave Play opposite Olivia Washington.
