Margaret Cho Says Being Sober 'Feels Like Another Life': 'When You Put All That Stuff Down, the Party Begins' (Exclusive)

Margaret Cho is grateful for her sobriety.

While attending the Out100 event at the Neuehouse in Hollywood, California on Wednesday, December 11, the comedian, 56, opened up about years of sobriety and how it has changed her.

“I’ve been sober for eight and a half years… It feels like another life,” Cho, who was honored at the event, told PEOPLE exclusively. “So it feels like it’s been a long time, but it’s also been short.”

“I really love being sober and I’m really grateful to be sober,” she continued.

Never miss a story — sign up for PEOPLE’s free daily newsletter to stay up-to-date on the best PEOPLE has to offer, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories.

Margaret Cho in October 2024.

Vivien Killilea/Getty

Rob Lowe says getting sober 34 years ago was a ‘gradual decision’ that culminated in his ‘final wake-up call’ (Exclusive)

According to Cho, her journey to sobriety began after a journey of self-reflection.

“I just didn’t understand what the problem was. Like, I just didn’t know or understand,” she said.

The PEOPLE Puzzler has arrived! How fast can you solve it? Play now!

“Luckily, I had people around me who loved me enough to really care about me, so it was like they were warning me about a problem,” Cho continued. “But a lot of times people who are addicted we just don’t know.”

She added: “I’m so amazed at how different life is. Like, I thought the party would be over, but actually when you put all that stuff away, the fun begins. Well, really, I’ve been partying all the time this time the best way to have fun is sober.”

Margaret Cho in December 2024.

Amy Sussman/Getty

southern hospitalityMaddi Reese says sobriety ‘saved me’ as she approaches 10 years in recovery (Exclusive)

Cho said she is currently “at peace all the time,” which has “helped in every area of ​​my life.”

“My mental health and my peace of mind. It’s like I’m really a very happy person and I never understood that. I thought I was a depressed person. I thought I was a troubled girl, but I’m actually very happy,” she added.

The star also said her advice to others in the new year is to “try to stay off the drinking and drugs. Just see how it feels to quit.”

“I think people use it almost as a security blanket or use it to, like, drown out anxiety about having fun or going out or whatever,” Cho continued. “See how it feels to just not do it and then see where it takes you.”

If you or someone you know is struggling with substance abuse, contact the SAMHSA Helpline at 1-800-662-HELP.

Categories: Trends
Source: HIS Education