STICK WITH THE WINNERS! –
Sept. 2, 2025 – DEBBIE KASPER is one of the most versatile forces in the entertainment industry—and a darling of the press. Besides being a two-time Emmy nominated writer, an award-winning comedienne, and international humor author, she is a theatrical producer and director. Kasper is also a stand-out stand-up comic who has been blowing audiences away for over 25 years. Her essays have been featured on numerous websites, and she has contributed humorous essays to two published anthologies. Her own book of personal essays “A Poke in the Eye with a Sharp Stick—Promises my Parents Made,” is out now.
Q. If you are in recovery, what was your drug(s) of choice and when is your sobriety date?
A. My sobriety date is Jan 14th, 1995. I’ve got 30 years. I haven’t had a drink for 34 years—my drug of choice—but let’s not exclude all the pot and coke and whatever you have, I’ll take it!) But I smoked pot for the first four years, of my sobriety, Ooops! That’s what happened to me, since I stopped going to meetings ten months in. I thought I was “cured.” So, around year five I dropped the four years, and I started counting days, again once I had truly surrendered. I guess that makes me a relapser! I tried every way possible to keep the time, continually telling everyone that I couldn’t find the word “pot” in the big book. My sponsor said, “So you lied?” and I said, “You didn’t ask!” I had it all worked out— justifying to myself. But you know…the road gets narrower.
Q. Is there anything special in your sobriety toolkit that helps keep you sober?
A. I hit my knees every morning and do the third step prayer. I have a fabulous sponsor, who has made big differences in my sobriety—I sponsor—and I am of service to people in and out of the rooms. I go to meetings, usually at least three a week. I don’t know which of those things keeps me sober, so I continue to do it all to the best of my ability. At this point, my life is A.A., my thoughts, my philosophy, and my friends—all A.A.
