Singer Carnie Wilson speaks about her addiction during the annual dinner of The LCADA Way Pearls of Wisdom

Singer Carnie Wilson has experienced a lot of fame in her life.

Wilson co-founded the pop music trio Wilson Phillips with her younger sister Wendy, and she is the daughter of Brian Wilson of The Beach Boys.

But her performance on October 24 at The LCDA Way, now known as Riveon mental health and recoveryPearls of Wisdom Annual Benefit and Recognition Dinner at the Embassy Suites Rockside in Independence would speak about her addictions and recovery.

Wilson, 56, a wife and mother of two daughters, said she was there to speak from her heart.

“My heart is so full tonight,” she said.

Wilson said 20 years ago she was driving through Coldwater Canyon in Los Angeles, where there are many cliffs and houses on the hillside, and thought it would be easier if she drove her car off the cliff.

“I couldn’t stop drinking or doing drugs,” she said. “I love life, I love my family. I have always had great friends, great support and success.

“But that day I thought it would probably be easier if I just turned the wheel and drove off the cliff, because the alcohol had a stranglehold on me and had so much power over me that I couldn’t go from day to day stop drinking. ”

However, she said so much has happened in the past 20 years.

Wilson said she is grateful for organizations like The LACADA Way and what they do with recovery.

Advances are being made in treating people with cancer, diabetes and heart disease, she said.

“What about the resources for this disease, where are we going from here?” she said. “There’s still such a stigma attached to it. And I’m tired of it; I’m tired of it.

“The day I got sober, I promised myself, my heart, my power that was greater than myself and that I discovered, that I would dedicate the rest of my life, a large part of my life, to my recovery, because my recovery must happen come first.

“But to be of service, and I think everyone here understands that, whether you’re an addict or a drug addict or not, you understand what it feels like to give back. That’s what it’s about. I can’t keep what I have unless I give it back.”

As she recovered, Wilson said she learned to nourish herself in healthier ways and take better care of herself.

“I deserve happiness; “I deserve to live this short life the best I can and help other people,” she said. “And that’s why I’m here tonight. I feel blessed to be in this position.”

Former WKYC meteorologist Hollie Strano chaired the evening with Joe Matuscak, Riveon’s chief marketing and development officer.

Strano, who is also recovering, opened up about her struggle with alcohol.

She also had a one-on-one conversation with Wilson, where they both talked about recovery.

Strano was convicted of driving under the influence in 2023 and was fired in September.

The LCADA Way also recognized outstanding contributions from individuals and organizations in support of addiction recovery and mental health.

• Cleveland Clinic is the recipient of the President’s Award, presented to a company or individual who has made exceptional contributions to the mission of transforming lives affected by the disease of addiction.

• American Tank and Fabrication and Elyria Aerie 431 are the recipients of the Community Service Award, which goes to a community leader or organization that has given time, talent, energy, service and community support to people suffering from the disease of addiction.

• Karyn Tremonto has won the John Longlais Award, given to employees, board or committee members of The LCADA Way in recognition of their exceptional work in addiction prevention and treatment.