Actress, comedian, radio show host, television host and podcaster – at 40 years old, Nikki Glaser’s impressive resume points to admirable dedication and hard work. Much of her life has been lived in the public eye, including her experiences with mental health.
For those living with illnesses such as alcohol addiction, Glaser’s candidness and sobriety journey offer inspiration and hope for recovery, as well as a reminder that no one has to navigate addiction alone.
Early Years and Rise to Fame
Nikki Glaser was born in Cincinnati, Ohio, and grew up in a St. Louis suburb. After graduating high school, she began her college career at the University of Colorado Boulder before transferring to the University of Kansas, where she earned her degree in English literature.
Her comedy career began early in life, with Glaser writing her first jokes at 18 years old. When reflecting on this time, Glaser recounted, “I remember it. I was a freshman in college and everyone in my dorm took over the cafeteria as like a study hall. I went in there and instead of studying I just looked at them, judged them and tried to think, ‘What would Sarah Silverman say about these people?’ I didn’t know how to write jokes — I just knew the stand-ups I knew. I wrote from the perspective of my favorite stand-ups because I didn’t know what my perspective was yet.”
Glaser went on to have a successful career with notable works such as Not Safe with Nikki Glaser, which premiered in 2016, numerous Comedy Central roasts, cameos in numerous television shows, and Lovers and Liars, a dating reality series. She hosts a podcast where she provides her take on pop culture, and she’s set to host the 82nd Annual Golden Globes in January 2025.
When asked about the difference between her stage persona versus who she is in real life, Glaser stated that her audience sees her authentic self. In an interview, she shared, “I don’t have to channel some kind of character; I don’t have to walk out on stage and pretend my life is roses. I don’t have to perform. The best comedy is authentic and real. That’s the biggest skill in comedy: To go onstage and be yourself.”
Public Persona vs. Private Struggles
To that end, Glaser has talked frankly about the challenges she faces, often using humor to add perspective and context to her struggles. In a recent podcast, she explored the lasting impact of childhood trauma and discussed her views on depression, suicidal thoughts and the role of therapy in mental health.
Her latest HBO special, Someday You’ll Die, gives a candid take on aging and death. In it, Glaser openly talks about how she’s experienced depression and thoughts about ending her life. She ends her bit by directing her audience members toward the American Suicide and Crisis Lifeline, saying, “Please remember it, 988.”
What Has Nikki Glaser Said About Her Struggles?
Personal Struggles with Alcohol
Never one to shy away from taboo subjects, Glaser has spoken openly about her history with heavy alcohol use. For her, drinking alcohol helped her relax in social situations, giving her the courage to interact with people and face situations she was afraid of. In an interview, she stated that she doesn’t ever expect to drink again, as she’s developed the social skills she needs to function without alcohol.
When Glaser’s cousin died from alcohol poisoning, it further reinforced her commitment to sober living. She stated that no one starts drinking with the intention of becoming a “sloppy drunk who lays in bed all day, drinking,” but she knew that for her, that would be the trajectory if she went back to drinking.
Journey to Sobriety
Glaser has been sober from alcohol for over a decade, stating, “Once I stopped lying to myself, I could start getting better. Honesty has freed me.” She attributes her success to self-help books and professional therapy, and she’s talked openly about her addiction to her audiences to help destigmatize the issue.
While she’s made significant progress toward physical and mental health, Glaser has admitted that sobriety caused other mental health issues to worsen. For example, she experienced more anxiety and depression, and she indicated that her eating disorders replaced alcohol addiction. Ongoing therapy has played a vital role for her as she continues to pursue sobriety while addressing other mental health problems.
The Role of Therapy in Her Recovery
Glaser credits therapy with helping her understand the true nature of addiction; not as a personal failing or choice but a disease. In an interview, she stated, “No one would choose to be an addict. It’s a hard thing to go through. It is a disease. I felt that the thing that freed me from most of the stuff was embracing that this wasn’t my fault. I didn’t choose it. It may look like that to other people who don’t understand it. It may look like that to yourself, that you’ve failed, that you’ve relapsed. Who would choose to relapse?”
By recognizing this, she felt able to forgive herself for having the addiction and release the shame she felt over the role alcohol played in her life before she got sober.
In working with a therapist, Glaser learned to accept things that were beyond her control rather than using alcohol to navigate uncomfortable situations. She came to recognize that abstaining wasn’t a matter of willpower but of building healthy habits and coping mechanisms. This shift in her mindset on alcoholism supported her recovery and helped her remain sober.
The Value of Therapy
Therapy is a valuable resource for those living with addiction or mental health issues such as suicidal ideation and eating disorders. Depending on an individual’s goals, there are several therapy modalities, including one-on-one, couples and group therapy options.
Therapy as a Tool for Recovery
Addiction is an illness, and in most cases, an individual can’t overcome it on their own. Just as professional help is necessary for physical conditions such as broken bones, a licensed therapist’s intervention is vital for addressing addiction to alcohol or other substances.
According to Glaser, individual therapy played a significant role in addiction recovery and management of other mental health issues. She supplemented her one-on-one sessions with self-help books and support groups. These resources helped her build the coping skills she needed to function confidently without alcohol.
During counseling sessions, therapists and clients work together to identify and challenge unhelpful thought patterns and behaviors. Together, they consider the issues the client wants to address, and they set measurable and reachable goals. The therapist may also assign homework assignments to give the client opportunities throughout the week to focus on recovery. Over time, this changes the way the individual sees their circumstances, gives them a framework for managing problems such as alcohol addiction, and helps them manage triggers.
Therapy for Individuals vs. Couples
Addiction doesn’t just affect the individual, it impacts their relationships, particularly those with partners. Couples therapy is a valuable tool for those in relationships where one or both partners face addiction. Along with addressing addiction, these sessions can be instrumental in rebuilding trust, improving communication skills and creating emotional intimacy.
Long-Term Benefits of Therapy Beyond Addiction
For Glaser, therapy continues to play a role in supporting sobriety and addressing ongoing mental health issues. While therapy is a standard treatment option for those living with addiction, its benefits reach past addiction recovery to help individuals live healthier, more balanced lives. It fosters an increased sense of self-awareness, helping the client become more aware of the circumstances and beliefs that impact their thoughts and actions. It also gives people a framework for working on personal goals and developing a stronger sense of purpose.
The Value of a Support System
Anyone can struggle with addiction and mental illness. A strong support structure is vital for fostering well-being and resilience, providing the encouragement and access to resources necessary for recovery.
Addiction Is Universal
When it comes to addiction, there’s no “type” of person most likely to be afflicted; it can impact underresourced populations as easily as celebrities, as well as anyone in between. Nikki Glaser’s alcohol history shows that addiction struggles don’t discriminate based on fame or success.
The Importance of a Support System
Glaser leaned on family, friends, therapists and support groups to help her manage addiction and mental health issues. Her journey shows how a solid support network makes all the difference in long-term success. Addiction and mental illness are very difficult to tackle alone, but with the support of loved ones and professionals, recovery becomes a more accessible goal.
Conclusion
Nikki Glaser has often spoken openly about her struggles with mental health, as well as the benefits she’s gained from therapy. Her story highlights the importance of self-awareness and honest self-evaluation and the value of pursuing professional help with issues such as addiction.
If you or someone you know is living with mental illness or addiction, we’re here to provide effective, nonjudgmental help. Contact us today to learn more about our programs.
