Recovery: Freedom From Our Addictions Paperback – 17 May 2018

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.

What an absolute bomb of a book. Really enjoyed it. Couldn’t put it down. There really is something in this for everyone to relate to. Well done russell. So much respect for this guy!

I can't imagine some of this book was easy to write, even having gone through the 12 step programme of disclosure and being a self-declared intense and out-there person. It is interesting to consider addictive behaviour and ironic that having an addiction like alcohol or drugs makes things easier in some ways because you know your problem, whereas addictions to food, bad relationships etc, can hide away in the background making us miserable. He is brutally honest about what he has done in his past and describing some of feelings about himself and the world chimed with me. It was a relief that he spoke about them and that in turn gave a flavour of the power of the 12 step programme and having a mentor to share. Amazing to read after seeing the public RB and knowing what was going on in the background. To be critical, it is obviously self-indulgent and some of the language is difficult to get past, but I don't think he has tried to write a book as a therapist, it is his experience and it is trying to get people into help, I feel. A tiny part of me wonders why and I have read the suggestions of cashing in, but I do feel that the book will make the 12 step prog accessible to some people, and tbh, if it gets one person there who hadn't made it before, or one person who can step back from their addiction and see a better future, then that is all good to me.

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.

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.