Philip Seymour Hoffman Battle With Drug Addiction Started More Than 20 Years Prior To Death

Philip Seymour Hoffman passed away on Sunday, Feb. 2, but for the Academy Award-winning actor, his struggles with drugs began long before that fateful day.

"I went [to rehab], I got sober when I was 22 years old," Hoffman said during a 2006 interview with 60 Minutes. "You get panicked ... and I got panicked for my life."

At the time, Hoffman also touched on the fact that he was grateful that he had gotten treatment so early in his career.

"I have so much empathy for these young actors that are 19 and all of a sudden they're beautiful and famous and rich," he said. "I'm like, 'Oh my God, I'd be dead.' I think back at that time and I think if I had the money, that kind of money."

Hoffman also struggled with an addiction to alcohol, and in 2011, he spoke to The Guardian about the issue. "It was pretty bad, you know what I mean. And I know, deep down, I still look at the idea of drinking with the same ferocity that I did back then. It's still pretty tangible," he explained. "I don't know, I was young, I drank too much, you know, so I stopped. ... It's not really complicated. I had no interest in drinking in moderation. And I still don't. Just because all that time's passed doesn't mean maybe it was just a phase. That's you know, that's who I am."

Despite remaining clean for 23 years, Hoffman relapsed last May. Right away, he returned to rehab, later explaining to TMZ that he had relapsed on prescription drugs and herion. After ten days, Hoffman left rehab, crediting his support system of friends and family with getting him back on track so quickly.

Following Hoffman's death, former friend and college classmate Kristen Johnston spoke out on Twitter about his struggles.

"Sadly, after being sober for years & years, he relapsed & has been grappling with his addiction for last few yrs," she tweeted. "I feel that part of the problem might have been his shyness & his deep need for privacy, which prevented him from being able to be open with others about it. Whatever the reason, his brilliant work will live on."

According to Us Weekly, Hoffman had plans with his children on the day of his death. A source told the magazine that the family began to worry after Hoffman failed to pick up his children, son Cooper and daughters Tallulah and Willa, from longtime partner Mimi O'Donnell. The insider claimed his absence was "uncharacteristic of him."

On Feb. 2, Hoffman's family released a statement regarding the death which read, "We are devastated by the loss of our beloved Phil and appreciate the outpouring of love and support we have received from everyone. This is a tragic and sudden loss and we ask that you respect our privacy during this time of grieving. Please keep Phil in your thoughts and prayers."