Joaquin Phoenix was forced to re-evaluate his opinion of non-drinkers after combatting an alcohol problem earlier this year (05).

The GLADIATOR star checked himself into rehab in April (05) for alcohol addiction after filming his role as late country singer and alcoholic Johnny Cash in biopic Walk the Line.

Phoenix tells London magazine Time Out, "I always thought sober people were pussies, that you were a pussy if you couldn't handle your drink.

"Then I realised that to be sober is one of the most courageous and difficult things to do, because it's life on life's terms and you don't get an easy fix."