Harry Potter star Jason Isaacs shares heartbreaking admission as he marks 28 years of sobriety

Warning: This article contains discussion of alcoholism and drug addiction which some readers may find distressing.

Harry Potter star Jason Isaacs has taken to social media to make a heartbreaking admission after marking nearly three decades of sobriety.

Isaacs, who is most famous for playing Lucius Malfoy in the hit film franchise, took to Instagram on Monday (5 October), where he shared a short video to his one million followers celebrating being sober from alcohol and drugs for 28 years.

In the video, the 63-year-old actor told his fans: "28 years ago today, I woke up having spent the night without drugs.

"That was the first time it happened to me for decades, drugs or drink. And I've lived a life that's drug and drink-free since. I'm not saying that to celebrate myself at all.

"I'm saying it in case this ever reaches anybody who thinks they're trapped, who thinks there is no way to change their life.

"I've seen remarkable and extraordinary things, and just my own personal story, I was without any hope.

"No question I was going to die of and with drugs on me and in me."

The White Lotus fan-favourite continued: "I just wanted it to hurry up and happen. I couldn't quite make it happen myself fast enough. And I was living a life without hope.

"And now I have a life with hope. I'm not saying it's all blissful and dancing, singing and smiling, but it's life and I'm in it.

"And I'm so grateful and I'm grateful not that I found something, but that I gave up.

"I gave up trying to control anything. I had to surrender and ask for help.

"So if you're in a dire situation, if you think that there's no escape, I'm here to tell you that there is."

Isaacs rounded off: "Just ask. Just ask somewhere. There's many ways to do it. I did 12-step groups. I'm not a poster boy for them or a living advertisement of how they work. They've worked for me so far.

"There's many ways to do it, but you can change your life. You can live a life without drugs and drink and engage with life on life's terms, which can be magnificent.

"So, good luck and I give you all my love."

He captioned the post: "My 28th sober birthday and, in some ways, still unbelievable to me.

"Sending so much love to everyone who took the time to love me back to life.

"To all of you who know that you’re different, though, that you’re terminally unique and that there are no solutions that will work for you…you’re right: you can’t do it. Not alone.

"Your best thinking got you where you are, so maybe it’s time to ask for help. There are so many arms waiting to catch you."

Please drink responsibly. If you want to discuss any issues relating to alcohol in confidence, contact Drinkline on 0300 123 1110, 9am–8pm weekdays and 11am–4pm weekends for advice and support.

If you want friendly, confidential advice about drugs, you can talk to FRANK. You can call 0300 123 6600, text 82111 or contact through their website 24/7, or livechat from 2pm-6pm any day of the week.