In a captivating memoir titled “High on Arrival,” Mackenzie Phillips reveals the harrowing experiences of her childhood and her battle with addiction.
Known for her role as rebellious teen Julie in the hit sitcom “One Day at a Time” and more recently appearing in “Orange is the New Black,” Phillips has now found her true passion in helping others heal.
She will be speaking about her life and recovery at the Tattered Cover Bookstore in Denver, Colorado, next month, sponsored by CeDAR (Center for Dependency, Addiction, and Rehabilitation), UCHealth’s renowned treatment center.
At just 10 years old, Phillips was taught how to roll joints by her rock star father.
Soon after, she took her dad’s cocaine and a spoon to school, intending to snort it with a friend in a classroom closet.
However, the white powder spilled before they had the chance.
Her childhood was a mix of fantastical adventures in luxurious mansions with serpentine swimming pools and a nightmare of parental neglect that led to her years-long struggle with addiction.
Phillips’ early fame came at the age of 15 when she soared to stardom as Julie in “One Day at a Time.”
But behind the scenes, her life was plagued by trauma.
In her memoir, she recounts heart-wrenching moments like searching for breakfast alone as a 5-year-old during a vacation while the adults partied and made music.
At 12 years old, she unexpectedly arrived alone in San Francisco for the filming of “American Graffiti,” forcing the director to become her temporary guardian.
As an adult, Phillips found herself repeating the same destructive patterns.
She recalls the horror and shame of shooting up drugs in her bathroom while her toddler son called out for her on the other side of the door.
This moment motivated her to get clean in 1992.
However, a decade later, she relapsed due to pain from surgeries, hitting rock bottom once again with a public drug bust at Los Angeles International Airport in 2008.
The embarrassment served as a wake-up call for Phillips to get clean once more.
Surviving her years of addiction, Phillips now dedicates her life to helping others overcome trauma and addiction.
She has authored a book called “Hopeful Healing” and has been working as a substance use counselor since 2013.
Currently, she serves as a manager and counselor at Breathe Life Healing Centers in West Hollywood, California.
In May, Phillips will be sharing her story of recovery in Colorado at the Tattered Cover Bookstore.
The event is sponsored by CeDAR, a leading treatment center for dependency and addiction.
The discussion and book signing are open to the public, offering an opportunity to reduce the stigma associated with addiction and encourage more individuals to seek treatment for substance use disorders and depression.
Susan Dearing-Bond, CeDAR’s Interim Executive Director, emphasizes the importance of having conversations about addiction and recovery.
She believes that just as we support those fighting cancer, we should show the same compassion and understanding towards individuals battling addiction.
By sharing her experiences, Phillips helps break down the barriers and encourages others to seek help.
Despite all the trials she has faced, Phillips maintains a sense of joy and wonder.
Approaching the age of 60, she perceives the world as a beautiful place.
She cherishes her simple pleasures at home, surrounded by her four rescue dogs and five cats.
Phillips describes herself as a cheerful person and enjoys spending time with her adult son, Shane Barakan, who is a musician.
They often have game nights with friends, indulging in strategy games like Azul and Viticulture.
Phillips’ work as a drug counselor allows her to utilize her skills as an actor.
She leads group sessions and uses her keen perception to detect any deception or manipulation, having once been an expert at hiding her own addiction.
Some of her clients are unaware of her fame, while others are surprised when they recognize her.
However, Phillips treats all her patients with the same level of care and dedication.
Mackenzie Phillips’ journey from trauma and addiction to recovery and helping others is a testament to the power of resilience and finding purpose in life.
Her upcoming talk in Denver provides an opportunity for the community to learn from her experiences and gain hope in their own journeys towards healing.
