Comedian Nikki Glaser Keeps it Real When it Comes to Recovery

Comedian and reality star Nikki Glaser is a pro at making people laugh. She is known for putting it all out there with a “raw and real” style that connects with her fans.

But it hasn’t been all smiles for Glaser. She says comedians are typically unhappy, especially, during childhood.

“We were the class clowns and wanted to make others laugh before they made fun of us, at least that is how I felt,” Glaser said to American Addiction Center’s Joy Sutton Host of “Addiction Talk.”

May is Mental Health Awareness Month and in true Glaser fashion, the comedian didn’t hold back when it came to talking about her struggles. “Once you have been through a recovery journey, it’s important to share that story and help others.”

Glaser has struggled with alcohol misuse, anxiety and depression, and body dysmorphia that included extreme binge eating. She has been sober from alcohol for over 10 years. “Once I stopped lying to myself, I could start getting better. Honesty has freed me.”

Glaser says being honest is what also drew her to stand up. “You can get up there and just be yourself and that is a great message to send to anyone, struggling with recovery or not.”

Glaser shares that her battle with binge eating is the hardest to keep under control. She admits to starving herself all day and then eating up to 17 protein bars late at night in bed.

It is common for both men and women with binge eating disorders to “binge” in secret. Most people just don’t gulp down food in front of the people they love because they’re embarrassed or because they know the behaviors are somehow unusual or dangerous.

People who binge may try to keep their issues hidden, but visible warning signs may include:

• Repeated offers to take out the family trash, so others won’t see empty food wrappers.
• Eating in the car, in the garage, or somewhere hidden.
• Skipping public meals.
• Repeated diets that consistently fail.
• Rigid rules about foods that are “good” and those that are “bad.”

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services also reports that about half of all people with a binge eating disorder also have current depression or a history of depression.

Glaser accepts that mental health struggles will continue to be a part of her everyday life. “I am always going to run a little depressed and anxious, it is just how my brain is wired.”

The podcast host is helping to eliminate the stigma associated with mental illness by doing what she does best, using her platforms to talk about it, as she encourages others to speak up and support each other.

So, what’s next for the standup star? She promises to continue to put it all out there in her new reality show “Welcome Home Nikki Glaser.”

“I’m really going for an “anti-Kardashian” vibe, I mean c’mon I’m not getting in full make-up and hair to go see my mom or dad, who does that?”

If you are looking for drug or alcohol rehab in New Jersey, Sunrise House Treatment Center can help jumpstart your recovery.