Liza Minnelli at 80: Grateful for Recovery, Fighting Addiction

At 80 years old, Liza Minnelli has opened up about her ongoing journey with substance use disorder (SUD). She marked National Recovery Month by expressing her gratitude for being alive and for the significant support system that has been crucial in her fight against her disease. This support includes her sister, a close friend, and medical professionals. Minnelli is collaborating with Dr. Richard LeBeau to create a program that leverages her learned experiences to assist others facing similar challenges. This initiative aims to provide care and guidance to individuals in recovery and their support networks.

Minnelli, whose memoir "Kids, Wait Till You Hear This!" recently hit number one on The New York Times bestsellers list, shared that she has been sober. In her memoir, she reflected on witnessing the destructive effects of substance abuse on others and her past belief that she was immune. She acknowledged her past use of cocaine and wine, feeling she had control, but admitted she was wrong. Minnelli stressed the critical importance of sobriety, stating, "without sobriety, we will die." She plans to share more about her recovery efforts soon, aiming to help as many people as possible.