I'm not an addict but I really just love listening to Russel Brand talk and that's the main reason I started the audio book.

But I'm happy I did because even though the book was mostly about the 12 step program and how to implement it practically in your own life, much of he spoke about is very relevant to the average person especially someone who is looking to be more mindful and feels that they lack purpose and are trying to find it (Like me).

As a side note, there are many direct and indirect references to Buddhism and Stoicism sprinkled throughout his writing, which are our two philosophies that address questions about the meaning of life and one's purpose. Perhaps, these types of questions are important to answer as an addict? I'm not sure, but I found them insightful when delivered by Russel Brand.

Lastly, I would like to re-iterate that I really enjoy Russell Brand's delivery, I think he is a comedic, improvisational and literary genius so I think I would have liked the book regardless of it's content. With that in mind, the content in the book is very grounding and Russel Brand doesn't shy away from revealing his vulnerabilities to you, which makes his stories emotionally impactful and authentic.

One final note is that at the end of the day we all have vices we want to control, so it wouldn't hurt to learn a little about one of the most popular methods for controlling a more serious addiction. ( )

I requested a chance to review this book mainly because it seemed suddenly there was a lot of talk about this celebrity's conversion, that he'd turned his life over to a greater power. That he had an encounter with Jesus. Forgive me...seriously, forgive me, but I immediately raised an eyebrow in disbelief. Wait a second. Is this the same actor that was a drug addict, an alcoholic, etc, etc? The only time I've seen him on-screen was through Netflix: Russell Brand on Britain's Drinking Culture & Addiction. And the reason I watched that was out of curiosity about the subject and not so much the individual. I never got a chance to finish it, thanks to constant interruptions from the kids, but I do remember it being eye-opening and really interesting. Not to mention a little sad, especially when he spoke about Amy Winehouse.

After these thoughts pass through my mind, I suddenly wonder: who am I to rate this book? Who cares about my opinion? Well, bare with me during this review. Russell Brand has hit on something more than just the struggles with addiction. His truth at times will make the reader wince.

That doesn't mean you have to live as a monk, although that is one way out of it, it just means you can never quench your spiritual craving through material means.
My only experience with addiction was when helping a relative through his own addiction. A car accident and lock up in a behavioral health institute (that I'd never sent anyone to ever again). Drugs used to manage addiction. The root of the problem was never addressed. How was that a solution? How did that bring about healing? Things were taken care of, like his car, but he wasn't. He went to AA a couple of times, then quit. Three months later, he relapsed. That's when he entered Salvation Army's ARC program which uses the 12 Steps and expands on it to include counseling, skill building, resume assistance and job placement. They not only look at the present but also to the future. And they include the family in the process. I attended the family meetings weekly in order to earn him hours for family visits. Why was it so important to me? Just like Russell says in his book, it's all about connection. We crave connection, we need it. Maybe deep down I realized that. Without the connection to his family, would he have finished the program?

So why would I want to review this book? Though I don't drink, smoke or do drugs, I do have my own addictions. They're just considered more of a norm as far as society is concerned. For example, I crave sugar. It's an obvious addiction. One sip of a McDonald's coke and I sigh in blessed relief. The point is, we all have some sort of addiction or something that has a hold over us.

Russell offers not only a guide on how he went through each step but also makes those same questions and mantras available for the reader's personal use. Sure, there's some language in it and he can be a bit crude, but he's real, painfully so. I can't imagine how he feels now that it's out for the world to read. He really opened himself up and his addictions are laid out. I think that's courageous. If he hadn't shared his past, how could the reader relate? Advice includes moving from self-centered to a serving others kind of attitude. An elevated sense of connection, purpose, meaning, and empathy. And when he covers step 8, ouch. This could really apply to any of us, not just those struggling with addictions. "I cannot control the past but I can control the present through forgiveness." Wow, forgiveness. Not an easy thing to do, but once done leaves you free from the pain of the past.

Ask yourself 'do I really want to change or do I just want to justify staying the way that I am'?
Now I'm thinking that though this book is to help in addition to the 12 Steps, perhaps we all need to use it, the idea of changing our mindset and perspective from what the world is constantly pushing on us with the "me attitude". I received a complimentary copy in exchange for my honest opinion. Thank you to Henry Holt and Company for the opportunity. Russell Brand's Recovery makes the reader think and self-evaluate. Recovery isn't a replacement for the 12 Steps book, but I see it more as a supplemental guide for those that still aren't getting it. Russell, in his own unique way, lays it all out plainly and intelligently. He's encouraging yet truthful. It's hard work, but it's worth it. I hope this book finds it's way to those that truly need freedom from whatever chains bind them. ( )

Recovery: Freedom from Our Addictions by Russell Brand is the 4th book of his that I've read and possibly the one that's hit the closest to home. This book outlines the 12 Step Program from Russell's perspective with personal accounts from each step of his journey towards recovery. It is an excellent book for those struggling with addiction (of any kind) or those who have witnessed that struggle in others.

The emphasis made throughout the book is that you must
-seek a Higher Power
-attend meetings to have a community of help
-work the program every single day
-seek help at times when stressed or apt to relapse from a mentor who has worked the program

These excellent quotes from the book do a far better job of recommending it than anything I could say:

But in your life you've faced obstacles, inner and outer, that have prevented you from becoming the person you were 'meant to be' or 'are capable of being' and that is what we are going to recover. That's why we call this process Recovery, we recover the 'you' that you were meant to be. - pg 42

This program helps me to change my perspective when what I would do unabated is justify my perspective staying the same - 'if you do what you've always done, you'll get what you've always got', if you want change, you have to change. You have to make amends. - pg 133

...'you can't think your way into acting better but you can act your way into thinking better.' - pg 160

The literature upon which these movements are founded describe it not as a 'cure' but as a 'daily reprieve'; the disease, the condition, is still there, you will feel it move through you, in fear and rage and irritation, beckoning you back into previous behavior - pg 212

I cannot say enough wonderful things about Recovery. If you or anyone you love has ever struggled through addiction and the subsequent difficulties on the long road towards recovery then this is essential reading. 10/10 highly recommend ( )