Recovery: Freedom From Our Addictions Hardcover – 21 Sept. 2017

I wrestled with the idea of buying this book and eventually decided to buy the kindle version. I have always liked Russell Brand but was at odds about whether him writing a book based on the 12 steps was in conflict with my personal beliefs about remaining anonymous in AA. I took ages to make up my mind about whether him writing this book and being so candid and honest was morally correct but then I decided that if it was going to help people then I should not have a view on it either way and it is his choice at the end of the day. I am not the a "12 step police woman after all :-)))" I can relate to him in so many ways and although our addictions are slightly different and some cross over each others addictions, we have both been sober for roughly 14 years.The book is beautifully written and very easy to understand. He used his usual F word throughout the book but that just makes it easier for many people new to recovery to understand the terms and language and relate to the book better. He is funny throughout the book but not overly funny.He comes across as genuinely trying really hard to cover all social aspects of recovery and the book is full of his own personal examples of the steps which was a really kind and thoughtful as well as helpful way to explain them. The steps can be confusing to anyone and the way he has outlined them make it so simple and helpful.This book has been written with care and consideration and most of all respect for everyone. I was slightly worried that he would make light of addiction but he is serious yet his usual funny and quirky self and of course throws in the odd "big word" that I had to look up what it meant :-)There were parts of the book that were so honest that I could almost feel his pain that he had gone through at the time but then that is normal for people in recovery, we can feel each others pain as more times than not we have gone through the same anguish, pain, heartache and self destruction.The book also highlights that no matter where you are from or your status, wealth, colour, sexual orientation or anything else, we are all the same. Addiction will cripple your soul and trample over your whole life and existence. The good news in this book and the message I got from reading it is that there is a lot of help out there for all addictions. For anyone new to addiction I would say this is a time where there is more help than ever and loads of resources to make it in recovery and the back of the book has all the information you will need.The book is interestingly advertised under sociology and not self help. I think he wanted to show that addiction is a social problem and it affects us all, especially in 2017 where porn, sex, alcohol and all the other addictions are affecting most families in one way or another.I am happy I bought the book and I have gained more respect for him after reading it and I will re-read it as there is plenty to take in.

Russell Brand is not someone I would've ever imagined could have made me laugh and cry at the same time... but he has. This isn't just a book for known addicts, it's a book for all of us, unless of course you're perfect and without any secret crutches, and I don't know anyone like that. Except for Jesus.Superbly written and profoundly accessible and relatable. I found myself re-accessing... well, myself actually; my goals, my motives and my own personal Surrender to God through Jesus.I recommend this book because it needs to be read... really, by everyone.And as a footnote, I ran into Russell, his wife Laura their baby and dogs and was at first hesitant to interrupt their family walk by the river, albeit to tell him how grateful I am for his book... I needn't have been; he was charming and compassionate and Laura so gracious. A man living out what he expounds... a rarity. Maybe if we all admitted we are addicts and did the Twelve Steps we could be better than we thought.

Such a good read and audio book. Much better than others I have read of a similar genre. His personality definitely comes through

This is a profound book that I believe can help everyone whether you believe you have addictions in your life or not. I am lucky to not suffer with an addictive personality in the prescribed way but this book will give you food for thought. As a therapist myself I believe we all have addictions in one form or another and as Russell says anything that we use as a distraction from life/work /relationships could be considered so. Is it easier to look at your phone or put a film on than spend a little time in self examination. I am only on chapter 6 at the moment however this book has already had a big effect on the stories I tell myself and the physical sensation that will sometimes lead me to a behaviour. Thank you Russell Brand for your honesty and insight. I have downloaded this on audible as I enjoy listening to the expression and tone of the authors words. If you didn't know there is also a Recovery section on Russell's website with a free download and more information.

I have always been curious about what the 12 Step Programme entails and thanks to this book, I am now more aware. Russell Brand invites us to his own understanding of the 12 step programme and us to learn about examples from his own experiences. His account is humble, spiritual and written with humour and at times a solemn tone. He really does challenge the reader to "peel away" the addictions that may be present in thier lives, he states that his addiction to heroin was the easiest one to peel away but then he delves deep beyond his other addictions and invites the reader to really reflect on all addictions. This is an inspiring testament to someone who has overcome addiction and someone who works the programme every day. A really enlightening read. Thank you Russell !

This book not only arrived one day early, but it was in even better condition than described. Rather than being in “good” condition, it was in brand new condition! Imagine my delight to find a book devoid of bent corners, dog eared pages, or a broken spine!Now, for the book. It’s bedtime, and I’ve made a small dent — Brand’s gift of vivid descriptions, humor, and honesty have already rendered this book worth its weight in gold. I look forward to reading the rest of it in the coming days and hopefully sharing it with those who I suspect most need it. While I don’t battle addictions in the common use of the term, I do LOVE my chocolate. Maybe bad relationships too. Perhaps this is a book I didn’t know I needed — I kind of think it is.

The best thing this book did for my was force me to write down my feelings and issues and get over them. I used to do drugs, I still do but I used to too.

I’d strongly recommend especially to those of you who are struggling against an addition or compulsive behavior. Happily he found a beautiful way to experience the beauty of life.

Russell Brand gets it!Experiential knowledge qualifies him to share with the intent of helping others who desire to shed suffering

I am from Germany and a huuuuge fan of Russel Brand. I enjoy watching documentaries with him and was so excited about this book release and even pre ordered it. I loved to read this book and it helped me to understand myself and the people around me much better... I try to internalise the 12 steps and try to be a better and selfreflected me... it helped a lot to read Russel’s experience and having a living proof that there’s always a chance to change 💛💛