"I'm an award-winning alcoholic, I guess," says Matthew Perry, 46, after winning the 2015 Phoenix Rising Award from Phoenix House, a non-profit drug and alcohol rehab.
The actor also stated that he should not be getting an award, but Phoenix House instead. Phoenix House was started in 1972, and over the years, has built its name as a top provider of alcohol and drug abuse treatment and prevention.
Its presence spans across 10 states, with 120 programs designed for adults and adolescents with issues on sober living. It has a youth program that is particularly close to the 'Friends' actor. It provides residential high school, one of which is in Lake View Terrace, where Matthew Perry had the opportunity to visit. He saw hope mirrored in the faces of the youth who were housed there.
Optimism is a word the actor can relate to. He has had years of struggling between being sober and not. He has grown in his journey and is now ready to be of service to others now, particularly those who struggle with alcohol abuse.
"If an alcoholic comes up to me and says, 'Will you help me stop drinking?' I will say, 'Yes. I know how to do that."
The fame that he has gotten after starring in the long-run sitcom 'Friends' has always worked against him in his struggle for sobriety. Now, a sobered-up Perry wants to embrace his fame and use it to help people listen and inspire them as well.
He is now making plans for his own facility called 'Perry House'. He says one-on-one interaction is important to someone dealing with addiction. He explains, "When you're having a bad day, the best thing you can do is call somebody and ask them how they're doing. Pay attention and listen to the answer to get out of your own head."
