Phil Collins recently released a memoir entitled Not Dead Yet, in which he opened up about many things including his past struggles with alcohol. When Phil retired from music in 2011, he started drinking to fill the time.
Ultimately this habit started to get out of control and he ended up in the hospital.
“I put the brakes on, which is like an oil tanker, it takes a long time to stop. I kind of enjoyed not having to do anything — turn on some TV, watch some sports. Then you’re turning on the TV a little earlier, having a glass of wine a little earlier. Then the wine becomes vodka, and then suddenly, you’re killing yourself.”
Eventually he ended up in rehab which he decided wasn’t for him, but he did figure out a way to get a hold on the habit, and now feels that he can drink responsibly.
“I didn’t drink for three years. Now, I’m capable of having a couple of glasses of wine. I personally do not believe I was an alcoholic. I had a problem with alcohol. I didn’t have anything else to do, and I enjoyed it. But when I had to stop because it was killing me, I stopped.”