Anthony Hopkins shares the moment he knew he was an alcoholic: ‘I could have killed somebody’ – Page Six

Report on Personal Health Crises and Alignment with Sustainable Development Goals: A Case Study

SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being

This case study highlights key aspects of Sustainable Development Goal 3, which aims to ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all at all ages. Specifically, it addresses Target 3.5: to strengthen the prevention and treatment of substance abuse, including the harmful use of alcohol.

• Condition Identified: The subject, Anthony Hopkins, recognized he was battling alcoholism, a condition he used to “nullify discomfort.”
• Intervention: Acknowledging the severity of his condition, the subject sought assistance by admitting, “I need help,” and subsequently engaged with a 12-step program.
• Outcome: The subject successfully overcame the craving for alcohol and has maintained sobriety for 49 years. This demonstrates a positive outcome aligned with the goals of substance abuse treatment and the promotion of long-term mental and physical well-being.

SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities

The account provides a direct example of behaviors that threaten the achievement of SDG 11, particularly Target 11.2, which includes the goal of improving road safety for all. Safe and sustainable communities depend on the responsible actions of their members.

1. Incident Analysis: The subject operated a motor vehicle while intoxicated, resulting in a “blackout” state. This action posed a significant and immediate threat to public safety.
2. Risk Assessment: The subject acknowledged the potential for catastrophic consequences, stating, “I could have killed somebody… I could have killed a family in a car.” This underscores the direct conflict between impaired driving and the objective of safe community infrastructure.
3. Alignment with Safety Goals: By achieving sobriety, the subject eliminated this specific risk factor, thereby aligning his personal conduct with the broader societal goal of ensuring safe transportation systems and protecting community members from harm.

SDG 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions

This case relates to the foundational principles of SDG 16, which promotes peaceful and inclusive societies. Personal accountability and a commitment to non-harm are essential for social stability and justice.

• Shift to Personal Responsibility: The turning point for the subject was the realization of the potential harm his actions could inflict upon others. This shift from a state of personal disregard (“I didn’t care about” [killing] myself) to concern for others is a cornerstone of responsible citizenship.
• Internal Governance: The subject described a profound internal experience that solidified his commitment to change, framing it as a moment to “start living.” This internal resolution to cease harmful behavior contributes to a more peaceful and predictable social environment.
• Contribution to Social Order: Overcoming destructive personal behaviors that endanger the public directly supports the creation of a safer, more just society where individuals are secure from the reckless actions of others.

Analysis of Sustainable Development Goals in the Article

1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?

The primary Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) addressed in the article is:

• SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being. The article’s central theme is Anthony Hopkins’ battle with alcoholism, which is a substance abuse disorder. This directly falls under the scope of ensuring healthy lives and promoting well-being for all at all ages. The narrative covers the harmful effects of alcohol, the decision to seek help, and the process of recovery, all of which are critical components of public health.

2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?

Based on the discussion of alcoholism and its consequences, two specific targets under SDG 3 can be identified:

1. Target 3.5: Strengthen the prevention and treatment of substance abuse, including narcotic drug abuse and harmful use of alcohol.
   • The article is a direct account of the “harmful use of alcohol.” Hopkins describes himself as an “alcoholic” and recounts how his drinking led to dangerous situations. His journey towards sobriety, which involved “reaching out to a 12-step program in Los Angeles” after admitting “I need help,” exemplifies the treatment aspect of this target. His 49 years of sobriety demonstrate a long-term recovery, which is the ultimate goal of such treatment.
2. Target 3.6: By 2020, halve the number of global deaths and injuries from road traffic accidents.
   • This target is directly relevant due to Hopkins’ terrifying account of drunk driving. He states, “I was drunk and driving my car here in California in a blackout… I realized that I could have killed somebody. Or myself… I could have killed a family in a car.” This highlights how substance abuse is a major contributing factor to road traffic accidents, which this target aims to reduce.

3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?

The article does not mention explicit statistical indicators, but it implies several through its narrative, providing qualitative examples of what these indicators measure:

• Implied Indicator for Target 3.5: The official indicator is 3.5.1 (Coverage of treatment interventions for substance use disorders). The article implies this by referencing the support systems available for substance abuse. Hopkins’ action of “reaching out to a 12-step program” and the article’s inclusion of a helpline number (“call SAMHSA’s National Helpline at 1-800-662-HELP”) point to the existence and importance of treatment and support services.
• Implied Indicator for Target 3.6: The official indicator is 3.6.1 (Death rate due to road traffic injuries). The article provides a powerful, personal anecdote that illustrates a near-miss event that could have contributed to this statistic. Hopkins’ fear that he “could have killed somebody” while driving drunk directly relates to the fatalities that this indicator tracks. His story serves as a case study on the preventable causes of road traffic deaths.

4. SDGs, Targets, and Indicators Table

Source: pagesix.com