Game of Thrones' Kit Harington Says Talking About His Sobriety Helps Avoid a 'Massive, Messy, Chaotic Relapse'

Being sober is quite the achievement for Kit Harington. 

In a new interview for GQ Hype, the Game of Thrones alum, 37, opened up about his sobriety journey and said that he’s now able to protect himself from relapsing — something he never imagined would happen.

“I was so lucky I got sober before having kids,” he told the outlet, noting that at one point it felt “physically and emotionally impossible for me not to drink again.”

The actor said he’s very proud of being able to quit alcohol, admitting that the entire nature of being proud of himself is relatively new for him.

“The very fact that I can be proud of it is an achievement,” he explained. “Because before getting sober, I would stare in the mirror and call myself a cunt. I'd hate myself. I would literally despise myself and not be proud of anything I'd done. I couldn't be proud.” 

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“So the fact that I am proud of getting sober is in and of itself a mark of being an entirely different person,” he continued. “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.” 

Harington — who’s previously been vocal about overcoming depression and addiction — said that he’s now in a place where he’s able to get himself back on his feet if needed.

“Look, I can't tell what the future brings,” he said. “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.”

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In 2019, Harington's rep confirmed to PEOPLE that he had entered treatment to “work on some personal issues.”

Meanwhile, in 2021, the actor discussed his "mental health difficulties" and taking time out after GOT’s series finale during an appearance on SiriusXM's The Jess Cagle Show.

"I went through, kind of, some mental health difficulties after Thrones and during the end of Thrones, to be honest. And I think it was directly to do with the nature of the show and what I've been doing for years," said Harington, who had been portraying Jon Snow on the acclaimed HBO series for 10 years.

"I think I took, sort of, a break after Thrones where, so, I don't want to work for a year [and] I want to really kind of concentrate on myself,” he said at the time. “I think I'm really happy I did that."

While in rehab, the actor was reportedly receiving psychological coaching and behavioral therapy to help him deal with and manage stress and “negative emotions.” During that time, Harington was also diagnosed with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).

If you or someone you know is struggling with substance abuse, please contact the SAMHSA helpline at 1-800-662-HELP.