Recovery: Freedom From Our Addictions

Product Information

I really wanted to like this book and more than I actually did. I wanted to give this book 3.5 stars. It might be the fact that I actually do like Russell Brand and the message of the behind the book more than I actually liked the book. I never thought i’d read a book penned by Russell Brand, and yet here I am. My understanding of Brand has mostly come from the tabloids: I’m familiar with his past dependency on narcotics, his ill-fated marriage to Katy Perry, his Hollywood films. But I hadn’t heard about him in some time. He’d dropped off my radar. And then, out of seemingly nowhere, I heard news of the impending release of this book.

Recovery: Freedom from Our Addictions (Audio Download

I've never been a huge fan of Russell Brand, but even before reading this I thought it was pretty fair to say he's someone who just might have something to offer on the subject of addiction. Actually, I was surprised by just how disarming his honesty was in the book, the level of brutal self-reflection he achieves in his writing here, and clearly in his path to coping with various addictions, was both moving and inspiring. It's not easy taking a long hard look at yourself, at the choices that you've made and the inner workings of your mind; and not just looking but seeing what and why and how and then maybe, just maybe, having the strength and courage to change yourself. Russell highlights the significance of a supportive community, emphasizing that surrounding oneself with the right people can make the recovery journey more achievable. I didn't finish it and I was disappointed. The first three chapters were good, and I really enjoyed how thought provoking they were. Russell often gets carried away with how clever he is and uses overly complicated prose throughout, which can be quite distracting and unnecessary. I remember this being his style in stand-up as well. Admittedly, Brand’s choice of words is a bit more colorful than most people are comfortable with, but they do cut to the heart of the program. In his book, he urges readers to make their recovery more personal by putting the Steps into whatever words make the most sense to them. An Example of the 12 Steps in Action

Truth is liberating. In the context of recovery, honesty means facing one’s fears, mistakes, and regrets. It’s about taking off the masks we wear and being genuine with ourselves and others. Russell argues that only when we face our truths can we hope to move past them. 5. The Journey of Self-Discovery The past can be a heavy burden. Holding onto anger, resentment, or guilt can hinder one’s recovery journey. Russell speaks of the transformative power of forgiveness. This isn’t just about forgiving others but also about forgiving oneself. Letting go of past mistakes and transgressions can be incredibly freeing. 7. The Need for Continuous Growth Having had a spiritual awakening as a result of these steps, we tried to carry this message to addicts, and to practice these principles in all our affairs. This manual for self-realization comes not from a mountain but from the mud.... My qualification is not that I am better than you but I am worse." (Russell Brand) Beyond the physical and mental realms lies the spiritual. Russell believes that true recovery touches the soul. It’s not just about abstaining from a substance or behavior but about finding a deeper purpose or connection. This might be a connection to a higher power, the universe, or simply a deeper understanding of oneself. 4. The Importance of Honesty

Recovery by Russell Brand | Waterstones

The other message Russell preaches/talks of is that he was probably more of a mess than most people do. If it could work for him, I can work for anyone. One thing that does not probably help this book is that Russell is naturally a funny man, but he is talking about a very serious subject where humour works against it. Thought adding a load of F-bombs does not make things funnier or relatable. My interest in reading it was two-fold: yes i was curious because he is a well-known figure, but on its own, that isn’t enough to draw me in. Primarily, it was the subject matter that was the key factor. Now I won’t falsely purport to have an alcohol or narcotic addiction. But I have experienced other vices, namely internet addiction and compulsive overeating. And having dealt with anxiety and depression, I do look for new ways in which to frame my mental health, new techniques to help me cope with my intervals of low mood. But also, knowing people who have had varying addictions and patterns of negative thinking, I try to find ways to give support and counsel to people close to me. If we all feel we are alone then how alone are we? If we all feel worthless then who is the currency of our worth being measured against?”I applaud anybody who can use a 12 step program to both get and maintain sobriety (note: I will use sober in this review to mean free from addiction. I will use it to mean not using or doing a destructive behaviour that a person is addicted to.) I will add that my own experience (and those I have been around) have included variable results with them. Understanding how certain behaviours and characteristics can affect your life, for example having a big ‘EGO’ will never lead to anything other than inner suffering and misery.

12 Steps According to Russell Brand | Northpoint Idaho The 12 Steps According to Russell Brand | Northpoint Idaho

Wow. A few months ago my mum told me about this podcast she had started listening to called 'Under the Skin' created and hosted by Russell Brand. I was intrigued by the things she told me about it and so started listening and was captivated by the guests he had on, the topics they discussed and the incredibly honest and vulnerable way he shared parts of his own story. Fast forward a few months and from listening to his podcast I learnt about Russell Brand's newest book Recovery: Freedom from Our Addictions.With a rare mix of honesty, humor, and compassion, comedian and movie star Russell Brand mines his own wild story and shares the advice and wisdom he has gained through his 14 years of recovery. Brand speaks to those suffering along the full spectrum of addiction - from drugs, alcohol, caffeine, and sugar addictions to addictions to work, stress, bad relationships, digital media, and fame. Brand understands that addiction can take many shapes and sizes and how the process of staying clean, sane, and unhooked is a daily activity. He believes that the question is not "why are you addicted?" but "what pain is your addiction masking? Why are you running - into the wrong job, the wrong life, the wrong person's arms?" I think it’s part of being human. To carry a wound. A flaw. And again, paradoxically, it is only by facing it that we can progress” Brand doesn't give us anything new here other than his own experience and testimony of the 12-Step program, but he does it with more insight, expanding the concept of *Higher Power* with wisdom and his own comedic touch. He applies the 12-steps to a wide variety of the obstacles that might be keeping us from being the person we are meant to be (drugs, alcohol, food, anger, selfishness, depression, etc.). Rather than just educating myself, I came away with a desire to improve myself and be a little more at peace in my environment, and a little enlightenment. Some clinicians argue against the 12 Step program concerned that a participant would only be replacing one addiction with another...I think Brand gives an eloquent argument against that opinion. In chemistry, when two substances are introduced, if either component reacts at all then both are changed forever’