STICK WITH THE WINERS! –
Mar. 17, 2026 – Catherine Carlen was born in Cookeville, Tennessee. She studied acting in New York City with legendary teachers Uta Hagen, Stella Adler, and Susan Batson. She is a lifetime member of The Actors Studio, and works in television and film. She currently lives in Lake Balboa, California. She has a beautiful talented daughter, who is an executive at Focus Features. She goes to AA meetings on a regular basis. Anytime she’s out of town, she’s in a meeting. She is so grateful that Alcoholics Anonymous is all over the world. She loves her life, her family and friends, and most of all, she loves her sobriety because she does not drink or use no matter what!
Q. If you are in recovery, what was your drug(s) of choice and when is your sobriety date?
A. My sobriety day is August 3, 1985, so that makes me the class of 85, and we’re still going strong in 2026. My drugs of choice was whatever you had. I especially loved cocaine, Quaaludes to come down, and cognac to even it out. Vodka, lots of wine, and any other drug you could think of.
Q. Is there anything special in your sobriety toolkit that helps keep you sober?
A. Meetings, meetings, meetings, meetings! And of course, working with others, praying, meditating, and always going to the steps. That’s my life and I love it! I don’t drink or use no matter what, and there’s been a lot of no matter what’s in 40 years.
Q. Do you think addiction is an illness, disease, a choice, or a wicked twist of fate?
A. I think it’s a disease with a mental obsession.
