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EXCLUSIVE: Kim Richards Dishes on Sobriety & Helping Other Alcoholics

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This summer was a happy time for Kim Richards, whose daughter married Thayer Wiederhorn in California on Aug. 2. But her life wasn’t always so carefree and simple.

The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills star has admitted to being an alcoholic, and entered rehab for a few weeks in December 2011. After that, she revealed that’d she’d been to rehab two times before. Now, in an exclusive interview, the reality star dishes on the wedding, her sobriety, and how she’s used her experience to help others struggling with addiction.

How was your daughter Brooke’s wedding?

It was awesome. It was a fairytale wedding. It was a small, intimate ceremony — and it was one of those moments that I cried with joy and pride.

You were that emotional?

I just cried and cried and cried! I couldn’t stop because I was so happy for her and Thayer.

You’ve been accused of falling off the wagon. Are you still sober?

I am still sober and I’m the happiest I’ve ever been. Honestly, I wake up every day and thank God for this amazing life.

That’s great to hear. It must be a struggle — we’ve seen how it affected Robin Williams.

It is, it just really is. Every day. And that’s one of the projects I’m working on right now — where I can get more involved and I can help people and work with people. Even as strong as I am today, when I hear things like what happened to Robin, I remember the struggle that it is and it takes me back a day.

How did you feel?

Well, when I think back to where I was three years ago, I didn’t know I’d be alive. I didn’t think I’d be able to watch my daughter walk down the aisle, and that was one of the things. I was helping her get dressed, thinking I’m so grateful to be here today, to be there to help my daughter and be part of her big day. Three years ago, I didn’t think I’d be waking up the next day.

Are you helping others overcome their addictions too?

I have been reaching out to people and recovery centers, but this year is the time for me to really get involved with the recovery centers and other alcoholics and addicts that struggle. That’s something I’m really doing, and I’m completely loving it.

It sounds incredibly worthwhile.

Every time I step foot into a center, where I can touch and work with another person in recovery, I really…it makes me feel so much more alive every day.

What else is in the pipeline for you?

I am working on some projects that I’ve been thinking about for a very long time. My jewelry has always been a huge passion of mine, and I’m working on other things that have come up for me in the last year or two that are just getting off the ground that I’m really excited about.

And how is the love of your life, your dog, Kingsley?

Oh, I love him so much! Kingsley was really hyper in the beginning, but now, he’s really mellowed out. He’s still sleeping in my bed. He’s a great dog, but I’ve caught him sleeping on [my son] Chad‘s bed a few times and I’ve been like, “Traitor!” Kingsley is such a family dog and he loves us all. We’re a very happy family.

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