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Recovery Paperback – September 3, 2019
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A guide to all kinds of addiction from a star who has struggled with heroin, alcohol, sex, fame, food and eBay, that will help addicts and their loved ones make the first steps into recovery
“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
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 fourteen 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?"
Russell has been in all the twelve-step fellowships going, he’s started his own men’s group, he’s a therapy regular and a practiced yogi―and while he’s worked on this material as part of his comedy and previous bestsellers, he’s never before shared the tools that really took him out of it, that keep him clean and clear. Here he provides not only a recovery plan, but an attempt to make sense of the ailing world.
- Print length288 pages
- LanguageEnglish
- PublisherHolt Paperbacks
- Publication dateSeptember 3, 2019
- Dimensions5.3 x 0.75 x 8.2 inches
- ISBN-10125018245X
- ISBN-13978-1250182456
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Editorial Reviews
Review
“A thought-provoking explication of the 12-step program run through the Mixmaster of Mr. Brand’s verbal pyrotechnics . . . spellbinding . . . stunning.” ―The New York Times
“A no B.S. program to conquer all.” ―Us Weekly
“Russell Brand brings an exhaustive and profound understanding of what it means to be felled by addiction and how to stand back up again. It is potentially there in all of us.” ―Men’s Health
“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 fourteen years of recovery.” ―InRecovery Magazine
“Transformative . . . entertaining and easy to read . . . eye-popping.” ―The Guardian
“Russell Brand is a gift to this world! His ability to translate how to transform your life using modern language and humor is an invaluable resource for a new generation. This book is a must read!” ―Tony Robbins, New York Times bestselling author of Unshakable: Your Financial Freedom Playbook and Money: Master the Game
“This is a brave and useful book, that I read in one day. It offers real insight into addiction and the stuff that drives it and Russell has done a great service in tackling the classic twelve steps in a non-reverential and totally entertaining kind of way that will help a lot of people. It feels wrong to say it is an addictive read, given the subject, but it really is. Russell doesn’t just want to save our souls he wants to entertain us on the way.” ―Matt Haig, author of How to Stop Time and Reasons to Stay Alive
“Recovery should be read by the world.” ―Ruby Wax, author of Sane New World
“The premise of his program is that the 12 steps followed by Alcoholics Anonymous can work for anyone. Recovery is the 12 steps, as translated by Russell Brand.” ―Sunday Times (UK)
“While the insights are not original, the experience of them is unique and it's Brand's own story that gives the book its energy. For anyone with an abiding interest in Russell Brand.” ―The Observer (UK)
“Personally it always struck me as a bit unfair that only raging alcoholics and hopeless drug addicts got to practice the 12 steps, given how they provide such an invaluable emotional toolbox?now, thanks to the vision (his critics might say the ego) of Russell Brand, they are available to all.” ―Suzanne Harrington, Irish Examiner
“There is no better lesson to be learnt than by someone who has lived it. And with that in mind, Russell Brand is a man to listen to. Carefully. Beneath the performance he talks sense. A lot of it.” ―Stylist (UK)
“One of his most endearing qualities is his emotional honesty―his openness about his flaws and ignorance, and his confidence despite them.” ―CALM (UK)
About the Author
Product details
- Publisher : Holt Paperbacks; Reprint edition (September 3, 2019)
- Language : English
- Paperback : 288 pages
- ISBN-10 : 125018245X
- ISBN-13 : 978-1250182456
- Item Weight : 2.31 pounds
- Dimensions : 5.3 x 0.75 x 8.2 inches
- Best Sellers Rank: #31,301 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
- #83 in Substance Abuse Recovery
- #305 in Actor & Entertainer Biographies
- #1,005 in Memoirs (Books)
- Customer Reviews:
About the author

Since rising to fame in 2003, Russell Brand has established himself as one of one of the world’s most celebrated stand-up comedians.
Aside from stand-up, Russell is also a phenomenally successful author, broadcaster, actor, podcaster, columnist, political commentator and mental health & drug rehabilitation activist.
He has 2 cats, a dog, a wife, a baby, 10 chickens and 60 thousand bees, in spite of being vegan curious.
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To calculate the overall star rating and percentage breakdown by star, we don’t use a simple average. Instead, our system considers things like how recent a review is and if the reviewer bought the item on Amazon. It also analyzed reviews to verify trustworthiness.
Learn more how customers reviews work on AmazonCustomers say
Customers find the book very readable and worthwhile. They say it provides inspiration and knowledge to overcome their own struggles. Readers appreciate the humor, honesty, and depth of the writing. They mention it's a powerful story of recovery and a lasting contribution to 12 step literature.
AI-generated from the text of customer reviews
Customers find the book easy to read. They say the overall content is amazing and worth having in their libraries. Readers also appreciate the writing, humor, depth, and language.
"...humor, and honesty have already rendered this book worth its weight in gold...." Read more
"...He does use explicit language but that's just him. Great read! Highly recommend." Read more
"...He's a much more mature, kind, compassionate, empathetic, awake, aware, wise, humbled, husband, father and son...." Read more
"...12 step programs, WHEN FOLLOWED, work amazingly well to get to the root of these issues and free people from suffering, which in turn frees them..." Read more
Customers find the book insightful, enlightening, and life-changing. They say it provides inspiration and knowledge to overcome their own struggles. Readers also appreciate the compassionate philosophy and expansive sense of spirituality.
"...He speaks with such intelligence and has a vast vocabulary in this book...." Read more
"...I believe Russell to be very intelligent and also an interesting human. It did take awhile, especially though step #9...." Read more
"...He's a much more mature, kind, compassionate, empathetic, awake, aware, wise, humbled, husband, father and son...." Read more
"...from Our Addictions combines humor, pathos, and an expansive sense of spirituality, so it's an especially good book for people who find the..." Read more
Customers find the humor in the book witty, funny, and insightful. They appreciate the author's unique way of expressing himself. Readers also mention the thinking and proclivities make the book relatable.
"...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...." Read more
"Russel Brand and his own spin on the 12 steps. He speaks with such intelligence and has a vast vocabulary in this book...." Read more
"...having it on audible really allowed me to hear his meaning and capture his written/spoken eloquence...." Read more
"...of lifestyle addiction; shopping, gambling, sex, he is so loving and funny as he presents the 12 step program Mixed with his experiences...." Read more
Customers find the book honest, relatable, and credible. They appreciate the stunning level of openness, humble self-assessments, and deep insight. Readers also mention the author's rendition of self-help is excellent and eloquent.
"...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..." Read more
"...He really is quite authentic, real, genuine etc. He's flawed, just like the rest of us and is not afraid to admit it...." Read more
"...He’s actually brilliant and has a great way with words . Very relatable...." Read more
"...Because the way he has interpreted the steps has been so honest, so humble, that I think people can get a lot from it...." Read more
Customers find the book great for anyone in recovery. They say it makes them think deeper about addiction, its triggers, and reevaluate themselves. Readers also describe the insights as valuable and lasting contributions to 12 Step literature. They say the book is a map to heal their addictions and never come back.
"...He's a much more mature, kind, compassionate, empathetic, awake, aware, wise, humbled, husband, father and son...." Read more
"...work amazingly well to get to the root of these issues and free people from suffering, which in turn frees them from their addictive behaviors..." Read more
"...I most appreciated his willingness to be so vulnerable, as he “told on himself”, sharing his own experience, strength and hope with humility, so..." Read more
"...for you today, and I am blown away by your honesty and thrilled that you are recovered. Your book will inspire so many! Thank you Russell Brand...." Read more
Customers find the writing quality of the book well-written, modern, and easy to read. They also appreciate the depth and humor. Readers mention that the author is complex, eloquent, and quotable.
"...It clearly gushed from the heart. The audiobook is great, read by Russel with his accent, and accentuation. If you need help, start here, it works." Read more
"...He’s actually brilliant and has a great way with words . Very relatable...." Read more
"An excellent book for anyone in or contemplating recovery. Written in plane english. Really breaks down and simplfies the 12 steps of recovery...." Read more
"...Brand is a complex, eloquent, quotable writer; I found myself highlighting passages frequently while reading...." Read more
Customers find the book's explanation of the 12 steps very good. They describe it as a comprehensive guide that is not churchy. Readers also mention the book is easy to read and relatable. In addition, they say it breaks down the steps clearly and thoroughly.
"...not deviate from the program of living a sober life, but he elaborates in excellent ways...." Read more
"My personal opinion is that he did an excellent job at summarizing the 12 Steps by providing a modern interpretation regarding how the 12 Steps work..." Read more
"...A thorough, yet simplistic analysis of the steps and most importantly, his experience with them...." Read more
"...I would like to add this is a very practical book that has very specific steps to take and if you want to get the most out of this book you have to..." Read more
Customers find the style superbly thoughtful, amazing, and beautiful. They appreciate the author's brilliant eloquence and humor. Readers also describe the book as vibrant, endearing, and approachable. They say it's an excellent contemporary interpretation of the classic Twelve Steps of Recovery.
"...he did an excellent job at summarizing the 12 Steps by providing a modern interpretation regarding how the 12 Steps work and, more importantly, how..." Read more
"Loved this book - 3 yrs in recovery and this author’s style is refreshing . I appreciate his vocabulary - both honest and intelligent ...." Read more
"...who has had a less-than-optimal experience with 12-step programs—it's a thoughtful, enlightening read." Read more
"Fresh, smart, deep. Love how unusual, creative and honest a thinker Mr. Brand is...." Read more
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Top reviews
Top reviews from the United States
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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.
I have read several other reviews of this book that say 12 step programs are shame-based, cultish, etc. This has not been my experience at all, and Russell does address these ideas. My experience is that people who feel shame in a meeting bring that shame with them, and by working the 12 steps, are often able to leave it behind.
There are also reviews saying “Just go to a meeting or buy the Big Book”. Misinformation, prejudice and fear often hold people back from that. This book seems to lower the threshold for people to see that there really is a way out of their suffering. Even so, even this presentation of “The Program” will be too much for some. This book does not shy away from how much work is involved and how difficult it can be to create true and lasting change in life.
My own experience echos much of this book, and at no point did I find the author going off-message or self-aggrandizing. The fact is, as Russell repeats, addictions to whatever (alcohol, sex, drugs, food, self-harm, etc) are not the problem, but rather a symptom and expression of something deeper. 12 step programs, WHEN FOLLOWED, work amazingly well to get to the root of these issues and free people from suffering, which in turn frees them from their addictive behaviors that result from them.
As for the “warning: 12 Step” reviews, I can understand (I used to be fiercely against 12 step meetings that the DMV and courts forced me into). 20 years of drinking later, when I was finally honestly ready to change my behavior and my life, it still took 2 years of continuous relapses before someone said something in a meeting that ended my struggle in a moment.
Recovery is hard, the process is often embarrassing and painful, but for those that put in the effort, it is SO worth it. If only 8-10% of people who try it do all of that, it’s not the fault of the 12 step program. It’s not a success or failure rate, it’s a willingness rate!
This is NOT comedy book. It clearly gushed from the heart. The audiobook is great, read by Russel with his accent, and accentuation. If you need help, start here, it works.
Top reviews from other countries
Experiential knowledge qualifies him to share with the intent of helping others who desire to shed suffering




