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 is the daughter of Brian Wilson of The Beach Boys.

But her Oct. 24 appearance at The LCADA Way, now known as Riveon Mental Health and RecoveryAnnual Pearls of Wisdom Benefit and Recognition Dinner at the Embassy Suites Rockside in Independence was to talk about her addictions and recovery.

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

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

Wilson said that 20 years ago, she was driving down Coldwater Canyon in Los Angeles, which has many cliffs and hillside homes, 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’ve always had great friends, great support, success.

“But that day I thought it would probably be easier if I turned the wheel and went off the cliff because the alcohol was choking me and so much power over me that I couldn’t stop drinking on day. “

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 with resources to treat people with cancer, diabetes and heart disease, she said.

“But the resources for this disease, where do we go?” she said. “There is still such a stigma attached to it. And I’m sick of it; I’m tired of this.

“The day I got sober, I made a commitment to myself, with my heart, with my greater-than-me power that I had found, that I would dedicate the rest of my life, a large part of my life, my recovery, because my recovery must come first.

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

During her recovery, Wilson said she learned to eat in healthier ways and how to take better care of herself.

“I deserve happiness; I deserve to live this short life to the best of my ability 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 presided over the evening with Joe Matuscak, director of marketing and development for Riveon.

Strano, who is also in recovery, spoke 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 a drunken driving incident in 2023 and was fired in September.

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

• The Cleveland Clinic is the recipient of the President’s Award, given to a company or individual who has made outstanding 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 is given to a community leader or organization that has given time, talent, energy, service and civic support to those suffering from the disease of addiction.

• Karyn Tremonto won the John Longlais Award, which is presented to The LCADA Way staff, board or committee member in recognition of their exceptional work in addiction prevention and treatment.