Addiction Talk Episode 61: Art Dielhenn

About Our Guest

Art Dielhenn—author and former television director—shaped some of the most beloved sitcoms of the 1980s and ’90s, including “Diff’rent Strokes,” “Punky Brewster,” “Head of the Class,” and “Sister,Sister.”

At the height of his success, Art was quietly battling a growing dependence on alcohol. After quitting and white-knuckling sobriety for 15 years while his children grew up, Art began drinking again. He soon reached what he describes as his “rock bottom”—finally seeking help through a recovery program. Now sober and thriving, he’s turned his experience into purpose—writing, speaking, and advocating for families affected by addiction.

As the author of “Get Out of Your Head, It’s a Mess in There” and “Addiction is a Family Disease,” Art offers a deeply personal look at the ripple effects of addiction and what it takes to heal—not just for the individual, but for the whole family.