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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
Book recommendations, author interviews, editors' picks, and more. Read it now.
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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: #11,701 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
- #32 in Substance Abuse Recovery
- #114 in Actor & Entertainer Biographies
- #425 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.
Customer reviews
Customer Reviews, including Product Star Ratings help customers to learn more about the product and decide whether it is the right product for them.
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 easy to read and worthwhile. They appreciate the author's insights, humor, and writing style. The book explains the 12 Steps in a clear and understandable way, making it accessible to non-AA members. Readers praise the honesty and humility of the author.
AI-generated from the text of customer reviews
Customers find the book's content engaging and worthwhile. They describe it as an interesting read with a fresh perspective. Readers appreciate the author's honesty and vibrant writing style.
"...The audiobook is great, read by Russel with his accent, and accentuation. If you need help, start here, it works." Read more
"...He has been sober for 14 years and, in my opinion, has a lot of credibility based on his long term recovery...." Read more
"...At least for me it is and I found it my favorite read on the subject and have bought and shared half a dozen copies...." 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
Customers find the book insightful and practical. They say it's a great resource for anyone in recovery or contemplating recovery. The book is described as wise, empathetic, and helpful.
"...This book seems to be written to assist people, perhaps skeptics more than anyone, to see what 12 step programs really are, to remove people’s..." Read more
"...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
"...He's a much more mature, kind, compassionate, empathetic, awake, aware, wise, humbled, husband, father and son...." Read more
"...The language is a bit colorful, but that's ok. the book is chock full of good advice." Read more
Customers enjoy the author's humor and vivid descriptions. They find the book relatable, eloquent, and spark meaningful conversations. The author provides an honest yet heartfelt account of addiction.
"...It is not autobiographical like many "self help" recovery books. He doesn't ramble on about how messed up he was in the past...." Read more
"...Such a bitter subject can sometimes be swallowed better with a little humor...." Read more
"...He's a much more mature, kind, compassionate, empathetic, awake, aware, wise, humbled, husband, father and son...." Read more
"...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
Customers appreciate the book's language. They find it clear and relatable, with an intelligent way of describing spiritual principles. The author has a wide vocabulary that goes beyond four-letter words. The modern writing style and edge are appreciated.
"...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
"...I really liked how he broke down The 12 Steps and made it understandable to people who aren't necessarilly in AA and or people who don't want to..." Read more
"...This book beautifully guides us to take the small steps, one by one, that can lead us to a life of more control, less drama and, ultimately, more..." Read more
"...He’s actually brilliant and has a great way with words . Very relatable...." Read more
Customers find the book's explanation of the 12 steps clear and relatable. They appreciate the modern, humorous, and meditative approach to recovery.
"...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
"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
"...I appreciate how Russel Brand has laid out the 12 steps and his well crafted exercises that plumb the depths of what those steps are really, truly..." Read more
"...Written in plane english. Really breaks down and simplfies the 12 steps of recovery. It’s not written by a doctor...." Read more
Customers appreciate the author's honesty and openness. They find his bold and honest opinions refreshing, with humility and a sense of humor. The author's personality is described as interesting and human, with an intriguing mix of emotions.
"...steps themselves aren't necessarily about drugs, it's about creating a better human and we could all use a little self improvement." Read more
"...He's a much more mature, kind, compassionate, empathetic, awake, aware, wise, humbled, husband, father and son...." Read more
"...If you are not, his uncharacteristic humility and genuineness paired with how absolutely useful this book is may win you over...." 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 heartfelt, compassionate, and insightful. They describe it as lighthearted, comforting, and uplifting. The author's writing style is described as calm and deliberate.
"...I think R.B.'s twist on the 12 Steps is refreshing and light hearted if you can imagine that...." Read more
"...He's a much more mature, kind, compassionate, empathetic, awake, aware, wise, humbled, husband, father and son...." Read more
"...he had the grace to share the journey with all of us, with deep love, humility and freaking great humor!..." Read more
"...to seek and allow help which doesn't enable the addiction, self-compassion and self-forgiveness...." Read more
Customers appreciate the author's depth and wisdom. They find it insightful and well-written, describing addiction and its effects in an understandable way. The author has a wide vocabulary and provides useful insights into the workings of the mind.
"...not deviate from the program of living a sober life, but he elaborates in excellent ways...." Read more
"Fresh, smart, deep. Love how unusual, creative and honest a thinker Mr. Brand is...." Read more
"...all of us are what lead to addiction, and Brand has a deep understanding of such matters." Read more
"Excellent helpful ebook. Love his writing, humor, depth and the language. (F bombs etc) It works for me...." Read more
Reviews with images
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A MUST READ (or listen!)
Top reviews from the United States
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- Reviewed in the United States on October 16, 2017Russell used a 12 step program, as have I, to change his life. This book seems to be written to assist people, perhaps skeptics more than anyone, to see what 12 step programs really are, to remove people’s preconceptions, and encourage those suffering that there is another way to live without their present pain.
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.
- Reviewed in the United States on October 20, 2017My 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 and, more importantly, how to apply the steps to all aspects of our lives.
I think he has done the recovery community a incredibly huge service by writing this book. He has been sober for 14 years and, in my opinion, has a lot of credibility based on his long term recovery.
It is not autobiographical like many "self help" recovery books. He doesn't ramble on about how messed up he was in the past. There are perhaps a dozen situations he draws from to describe what his thinking patterns used to be like, and what they are like now. He uses his life experience to illustrate how the 12 Steps helped him process his old resentments and what he does now to prevent falling into old patterns of thinking.
This book won't solve all of an alcoholic's or addict's problems, but it is a great jumping board if you think you are ready to dive in to a program. Anyone who reads this will have a better understanding of what recovery entails.
Being that I am also in a 12 step program I can completely 'get' what he is saying. I think most addicts and alcoholics can relate to his way of thinking. Perhaps many normal people can too.
If you are hesitant about joining any 12 Step fellowship I highly recommend that you read or listen to this book before you discount 12 steps altogether.
Having an open mind is essential in long term recovery, so please explore all options in order to have a better understanding of what you could be dismissing.
It saddens me to think that so many people miss out on improving the quality of their lives because of a bias towards what they think could be a cult. AA and NA are not cults. Russell does a great job at explaining the rationale behind this.
- Reviewed in the United States on July 30, 2024Unless you are adverse to the use of curse words and frank truths.
I think R.B.'s twist on the 12 Steps is refreshing and light hearted if you can imagine that.
Such a bitter subject can sometimes be swallowed better with a little humor. At least for me it is and I found it my favorite read on the subject and have bought and shared half a dozen copies.
As to why I would suggest anyone read it; that's because the steps themselves aren't necessarily about drugs, it's about creating a better human and we could all use a little self improvement.
Top reviews from other countries
- HollyReviewed in Canada on June 29, 2018
5.0 out of 5 stars Russel Brand, I love you!
Hearing Russel Brand on cd was totally the best experience so I bought the book for a friend. I love his honesty, advice, I loved that he shared his own private stories. You cannot help but to fall in love with him. His accent on the CD is enough to make you want to hear it again and his language is perfection. While most books are passing judgement on your behaviour, his language makes it appear like you are speaking to a friend, one who swears but I love it! I highly recommend it! I am so proud of his book and I am so proud of him. He is a father of a little girl. I think he is so totally gorgeous and sexy and hearing him give advice which is so brilliant is so amazing. His girlfriend and daughter are so very lucky and we are lucky to have him write such an incredible book
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Ana Carolina RodriguesReviewed in the Netherlands on October 8, 2017
5.0 out of 5 stars Beautiful and touching
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.
- D.CReviewed in Australia on August 13, 2024
5.0 out of 5 stars A lot better than his other books
I really enjoyed this one. Wasn’t expecting much but I was wrong. Russell brand really helps you in dealing with your own stress and anxiety. Well done. Enjoyed this so much, I bought it for our workplace library
- mastelottoReviewed in India on December 16, 2017
5.0 out of 5 stars Russell Brand gets it!
Russell Brand gets it!
Experiential knowledge qualifies him to share with the intent of helping others who desire to shed suffering
- JuliaReviewed in Germany on January 10, 2018
5.0 out of 5 stars Must read!!!
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 💛💛