AceShowbiz - Al Pacino, at 84, has opened up about his battle with addiction and the long road to sobriety in his highly anticipated memoir, "Sonny Boy", set to be released on October 15. The "Godfather" and "Scarface" star has been sober since 1977, but he recently shared the harrowing experiences that led him to change his life.

Pacino began drinking at a young age; his first encounter with alcohol happened when he was just nine. By the time he was 13, he had started smoking marijuana. His rise to fame, notably with his role in "The Godfather" in 1972, saw him indulging more heavily in substances. The pressure of sudden stardom pushed him further into addiction.

"I started to forget things at a very young age - they called them blackouts, so I got nervous," Pacino revealed in an interview with People. His addiction to alcohol and drugs was a way to cope with the overwhelming nature of his fame. Despite attending Alcoholics Anonymous meetings, he found it wasn't the right fit for him. "It's a great place, but it was not for me," he stated.

Instead, his sobriety journey was significantly influenced by his late mentor and friend, Charlie Laughton. Laughton played a pivotal role in helping Pacino overcome his addiction. "He was a real influence over me because he was my mentor, my closest friend," Pacino acknowledged. "He really begged me to stop for a while. Just to take a look at it."

The road to sobriety wasn't easy. Pacino endured mental health struggles and a terrifying near-death experience during the COVID-19 pandemic. "I fainted, and when I opened my eyes, there were six paramedics in my living room … I didn't have a pulse. Everybody thought I was dead," he recounted.

Despite these challenges, Pacino reflects on the profound impact fatherhood has had on his life. He is a father of four, with his youngest, Roman, born just last year. "I have friendship," he said, referring to his relationship with Roman's mother, Noor Alfallah.

Al Pacino's story is a powerful testament to resilience and the capacity for change. As he continues to focus on acting and raising his children, his journey serves as an inspiration to anyone grappling with addiction. His memoir, "Sonny Boy", promises to offer even deeper insights into the life of this Hollywood icon.

If you or someone you know is struggling with substance abuse, contact the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) National Helpline at 1-800-662-HELP (4357).