Alicia Witt reveals she quit drinking the same day she found out she had breast cancer in 2021: 'I learned just how much of a risk drinking was'

Alicia Witt shared that finding out she had breast cancer in 2021 prompted her to quit drinking, and remain sober, even after she was declared cancer-free.

The actress and singer, 48, underwent chemotherapy and a unilateral mastectomy following her diagnosis, and revealed she was given a clean bill of health in June last year.

The Walking Dead star, who released her new six-song EP, titled Witness, on Friday, said her initial diagnosis immediately inspired her to give up drinking, in a new interview with People. 

‘I was already a very healthy person by most measures, I’d say, so I had to look at what I was doing that maybe exacerbated this situation,’ she said.

‘I learned just how much of a risk drinking was, and not only that but after you’ve got that all clear, you’ve got to change. You can’t go back to everything you were doing before.’

Witt shared about the exact moment she found out about her cancer and how it happened just as she was leaving to attend a friend’s party, with a bottle of alcohol in her hand.

‘I’ve not had a drink now since Nov. 4, 2021, which is the day I was on my way out the door to my dear friend Cindy Owen’s birthday party.’

‘I had a bottle of whiskey because I knew somebody who was going to be there who loves fine whiskey and I loved whiskey, and I also had a bottle of wine for Cindy.’

‘I was looking forward to having drinks like I always did. I got the call as I was leaving to go to the party, that to my doctor’s shock, the biopsy that I’d had done showed that I had breast cancer,’ she said.

‘And so I texted my friend and I said, “I’m so sorry, I don’t think I’m going to be able to make it to your party.” I sat with that and started the process of learning all that I could. So I went through the recommended treatments. I had a unilateral mastectomy, which was recommended, and I got the all clear, thank God, at the end of April.’

As for whether staying sober has impacted her dating life, Witt says she’s having a lot more fun without the help of liquid courage.

‘I did not think I would have as much fun, and I honestly love being a non-drinker.’

‘I find that everything is better, and that includes dating and forming new relationships, whether romantic or not, having conversations, having nights out and coming home late but not feeling fuzzy, not having to get an Uber home and everything.’

Better now: The actress and singer, 48, underwent chemotherapy and a unilateral mastectomy following her diagnosis, and revealed she was given a clean bill of health in June last year

Insightful: ‘I was already a very healthy person by most measures, I’d say, so I had to look at what I was doing that maybe exacerbated this situation,’ she said of why she quit drinking

Risk: ‘I learned just how much of a risk drinking was, and not only that but after you’ve got that all clear, you’ve got to change. You can’t go back to everything you were doing before’; Pictured 2020

Recovery: In December of last year the star revealed she was on the mend after undergoing breast reconstruction surgery

Tragedy: The year prior had been an exceptionally one for the singer, who, aside from having to undergo cancer treatments, was also grieving the death of her parents

As for how she’s feeling these days, the beauty revealed: ‘I dare say I feel so much healthier than I did before. To be honest with you, that has to do with not drinking as well.’

‘I’m grateful for the changes I’ve made in my diet and in my life. As a result of that, the side effect is that I feel so much better.’

She also shared that it was her faith in God, as well as a few close friends, who helped her get through her treatments.

‘I found myself praying more than I ever have, and I’ve always felt a close connection to God, and that connection — that faith — has deepened exponentially.’

In December of last year the star revealed she was on the mend after undergoing breast reconstruction surgery.

The year prior had been an exceptionally one for the singer, who, aside from having to undergo cancer treatments, was also grieving the death of her parents.

Her mom and dad, Robert and Diane Witt, died at their Massachusetts home.

The coroner determined the 87 and 75-year-old died from ‘probable cardiac dysrhythmia’ due to the cold weather.

The Walking Dead: Witt appeared in a number of hit television series, including the Sopranos, Two and a Half Men, and The Walking Dead; Seen in still from The Walking Dead season six

Alicia had just begun chemotherapy at the times of their deaths, and kept her condition private at the time, explaining on social media that keeping her diagnosis under wraps was ‘a needed part of my healing.’

The dates of their deaths were noted as December 20, 2021, which was also the day their bodies were found in their home. 

Neighbors said their home did not have a working heating system for some time.

Witt broke her silence following the shocking death of her parents, revealing that they refused her help and hadn’t let her inside for ‘over a decade.’ 

Witt began her career at the age of eight after being discovered by David Lynch, who cast her in his version of the sci-fi classic Dune in 1984 and an episode of Twin Peaks.

Witt went on to appear in a number of hit television series, including the Sopranos, Two and a Half Men, The Walking Dead, and Orange is the New Black.

Witt is also a pianist and made her stage debut in Los Angeles in 2001.