"One of the cruelest judgments sustained against me is that I have spoken out as a recovered alcoholic to stimulate my acting career"

Mercedes McCambridge's quote talks to the preconception that is often related to dependency and healing. She is expressing her disappointment that her recovery journey has actually been utilized against her, and that her efforts to speak up about her experience have been analyzed as a method to even more her acting profession. This quote highlights the unfairness of the judgement that is typically put on those who have had problem with addiction and have actually picked to speak out about it. It also speaks with the value of destigmatizing dependency and healing, and acknowledging the courage and strength it requires to speak out about one's experience. McCambridge's quote is a tip that we ought to not evaluate those who have actually chosen to share their stories, however rather, we ought to celebrate their nerve and durability.