Kirstie Alley Credits Sobriety in Her Success : Drugs: The ‘Cheers’ star has been off cocaine 11 years but still helps others battle addiction.
Kirstie Alley, taking a break on the set of her new movie “Sibling Rivalry,” wanted to talk about drugs and booze.
She doesn’t “do” either. Instead she is heavily involved in helping other people who haven’t overcome their addictions.
Alley, who somewhat ironically stars in the TV series “Cheers” as the owner of a Boston pub, doesn’t touch the stuff. Moreover, she doesn’t touch cocaine, which she swore off 11 years ago.
The actress was once hooked on the lethal white powder and it nearly destroyed her career. Alley is now an international spokeswoman for Narconon Chilocco, a new addition to Narconon International, an organization that treats people addicted to alcohol and drugs.
What pleases Alley about her association with Narconon Chilocco is that the rehabilitation facility is only 60 miles from her home in Wichita, Kan., just across the state line in Oklahoma.
“This work gives me the opportunity to help people in the fight against drugs, which were ruining my life a dozen years ago,” she said. “This branch of Narconon especially helps Native Americans in the area. Indians have a big problem with alcohol and drugs. I grew up with an admiration for their culture and was sensitive to their problems.
“Most of the people I know--literally--have been through drug rehabs two or three times. The difference is that this program stops the revolving-door effect. For me it means being drug-free and learning to function in life.
“This program salvaged my life and began my acting career. When I was an interior designer in Wichita I was a druggie and life didn’t go well. I’d call in sick a lot, making excuses just so I could do coke.
“When I came to Los Angeles in 1979 I went to the detox center at Narconon. It was like night and day once I had completed the program. I’ve never had the desire to do drugs since. When I was straight, I had the courage and energy to try to become an actress. I owe my career to my will to stop using.”