Mackenzie Phillips, known for her role as Julie Cooper on ‘One Day at a Time,’ revisits her years on the hit sitcom with transparency and humor. At 66, she opens up about her past experiences, including behind-the-scenes activities that might surprise fans.

In a conversation with Fox News Digital, Phillips shared a memory that stands out: ‘Valerie [Bertinelli] and I would spend our lunch breaks at my house swimming, drinking wine, and snorting coke.’ The two actresses began filming the show at ages 15 and 14, respectively, and Phillips emphasized that Bertinelli has been open about this period herself. She also noted that unlike her, Bertinelli did not struggle with addiction.

The presence of drugs behind the sitcom’s scenes was acknowledged by Phillips. She remarked, ‘We would do coke together in the dressing room. I was the one who got caught, and I’m grateful for that.’ Phillips became a household name alongside Bertinelli, who played her sister Barbara Cooper, during the show’s run from 1975 to 1984. Despite challenges, their friendship has endured beyond the show.

During a 2022 appearance on the ‘Behind the Velvet Rope’ podcast, Phillips reflected on her enduring bond with Bertinelli. ‘We were teenagers then, and now we’re women who love each other and cherished the family we formed from the show,’ Phillips stated. She acknowledged that her addiction strained their relationship for years but expressed gratitude for their continued connection.

Phillips has been candid about her past, discussing addiction, trauma, and recovery extensively. Being the daughter of John Phillips from The Mamas & the Papas, she penned her experiences in her memoir ‘High on Arrival’ and later in ‘Hopeful Healing.’

When asked about what keeps her grounded today, Phillips highlighted faith and a sense of perspective. She shared, ‘Faith and knowing how my history has strengthened me keep me grounded. People express pity, but I don’t want that; my experiences shaped the woman I am.’ Phillips believes that embracing her past is essential to who she has become.

Phillips has utilized her recovery to assist others by working in addiction and recovery, including roles as a counselor and manager. In a 2019 interview, she shared that finding purpose in her work has significantly aided her ongoing recovery.

Recently, Phillips has appeared in roles such as in Netflix’s ‘Orange Is the New Black’ while continuing her work in addiction recovery. Over the years, she has realized that her previous understanding of consent regarding her relationship with her father was misguided, acknowledging now the depth of the grooming she experienced.

Phillips concludes with a reflection on the responsibility for change and healing lying with oneself. She has contemplated writing more about her recovery journey to continue sharing and advocating for survivors’ voices.