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

Wilson 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 October 24 performance at The LCADA Way, now known as Riveon mental health and recoveryPearls of Wisdom’s annual benefit and recognition dinner at the Embassy Suites Rockside in Independence was to talk about her addiction 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 Coldwater Canyon in Los Angeles, which has 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 using drugs,” she said. “I love life, I love my family. I’ve always had good friends, good support, 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 such a stranglehold on me and so much power over me that I couldn’t stop drinking one day at a time.”

But she said so much has happened in the last 20 years.

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

Progress is being made with resources to treat people with cancer, diabetes and heart disease, she said.

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

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

“But to be of service, which I think everyone here understands, whether you’re an addict or an addict or not yourself, you understand how it feels to give back. That’s what it’s all about. I can’t keep what I have if I don’t give it back.”

During her recovery, Wilson said she learned how to feed herself in a healthier way 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 to 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, 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 a drunken driving offense in 2023 and was fired from his job in September.

The LCADA Way also recognized outstanding contributions by 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 that 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 recipients of the Community Service Award, which goes 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 the field of substance abuse prevention and treatment.