Good morning. It’s the third Tuesday of the month so it’s time for another batch of wisdom from a notable Sober Oldster. Today’s guest is Mickey Boardman, longtime Paper Magazine Editorial Director, Creative Director of Playgirl, and publisher of the newsletter Ask Mr. Mickey with Mickey Boardman.

Thanks again to Sari Botton from Oldster for the collaboration. —TSB Editor

How old are you, and how long have you been in recovery?

I’ll be 60 on October 10th and I’ve been sober for 29 years as of April 1st.

How did you get there?

I’ve always had an addictive personality. Alcohol, drugs, sex, food, shopping. I overdid them all. My boss, mentor and friend Kim Hastreiter took me to lunch and said she knew I was a heroin addict and I couldn’t work at Paper anymore unless I got sober. I went to rehab and it took a few tries but I got sober. In a funny way being an addict was an amazing blessing because if I wasn’t an addict, I wouldn’t have gotten sober and sobriety is the best thing that ever happened to me.

What are the best things about being in recovery?

I’m fully coherent and present for my life. Good or bad, I remember each experience and I don’t have to worry about embarrassing myself or doing something messy I’ll regret later.

Being an addict and alcoholic is a full time job and I really was employee of the month, every month. That left very little time for building positive things in my life, nurturing relationships and pursuing goals.

They say at first drinking and drugging is super fun with no consequences. Then it’s fun with some consequences. Eventually it’s zero fun and all consequences. It’s such a relief to be off that hamster wheel.

What’s hard about being in recovery?

I don’t know if I’d say it’s hard because all we have to do is stop drinking, go to meetings, and follow the program. I’m committed to one day at a time for the rest of my life. You just have to surrender and follow the suggestions.

Although the 9th step is kind of scary. But in sobriety I’ve learned if we’re scared of something that means it’s something we should probably do.

How has your character changed? What’s better about you?

My personality hasn’t changed. I’m still fun and optimistic and enthusiastic. I’m just less messy and more dependable. I think I’m a better friend, better worker and better citizen. If I wasn’t sober, I wouldn’t have any of the amazing things that I have in my life.

They say: Drugs: they might not kill you but they’ll take your life.

What do you still need to work on? What “character defects” do you still wrestle with?

I’m great at starting things with a big splash but not as good at sustaining momentum and finishing projects.

I’m a champion procrastinator.

I eat too much junk food.

I love the spotlight and sometimes treat life like a stand-up comedy routine. I want laughs and attention, which isn’t always the healthiest way to approach life.

What’s the best recovery memoir you’ve ever read? Tell us what you liked about it.

I loved High on Arrival by Mackenzie Phillips, Dry by Augusten Burroughs, and of course Wishful Drinking by Carrie Fisher. I loved everything she did and am so inspired by her.

What are some memorable sober moments?

Traveling the world. Going to India over 30 times. Doing several safaris in Africa. The thing that really nourishes my soul is the work I do with the charity Citta.

The fashion and media work I do is fun and glamorous but the charity work makes people’s lives better in such incredible ways.

Are you in therapy? On meds? Tell us about that.

I’ve been in therapy for decades.

I’m on multiple medications for Parkinson’s and also Mounjaro. I’m a big fan of all my medications although I believe insurance companies are evil and the healthcare system in our country is a disgrace.

What sort of activities or groups do you participate in to help your recovery? (i.e. swimming, 12-step, meditation, et cetera)

I exercise with a trainer and try to do cardio as well. Intense cardio is the best thing for people with neurological disorders. I feel great when I exercise but I need to be more consistent about it. It’s so easy to get distracted with work or other nonsense but my health really needs to come first.

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