Ryan Phillippe Celebrates His Sobriety: 'Longest I've Gone Since I Was a Teen Without Some Kind of Nicotine or Marijuana'

“Feeling thankful for the freedom that comes with breaking addictions and dependency on substance," the actor said

Ryan Phillippe is grateful for the progress he’s made in his sobriety journey.

On Thursday, the veteran actor, 49, posted a mirror selfie on Instagram to share his milestone.

“Officially the longest I’ve gone since I was a teen without some kind of nicotine or marijuana in my system (among other things…)” he wrote. “Feeling thankful for the freedom that comes with breaking addictions and dependency on substance. Sobriety, clarity, and spiritual connectedness feels real good.🙏”

He reposted the photo on his Instagram Story, adding, “My only remaining addictions are toothpicks & self-improvement.”

In the comments section, Phillippe received tons of praise from his followers.

“This is the only way...the right way. Keep going! Stay strong and healthy 💪🏽,” one person wrote, while another added, “So proud of you bro. Keep up the great work.”

Related: Ryan Phillippe on Battling Depression: 'It Doesn't Have to Be Your Defining Characteristic'

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Phillippe has remained focused on his overall health in the past several years.

Back in 2016, he opened up to PEOPLE about overcoming depression when he was younger and how he’s learned to cope through self care and leaning of  his children: Ava, 24, and Deacon, 19, with ex-wife Reese Witherspoon, and Kailani, 12, with former girlfriend Alexis Knapp.

“I’m a lot more at peace than I was when I was younger,” he said at the time. “I struggled much more with depression when I was in my 20s and 30s. I think the amount of reading that I’ve done, the work on myself and the ways that I’ve found to cope are healthier than when I was younger.”

“I don’t know what that specifically amounts to other than being more careful and considerate about why you make the choices you do or where the feelings you have come from,” Phillippe added. “And then ultimately just breathe.”

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