Russell Brand is another celebrity who has been very open and honest about his struggles with drug addiction. Today, he has successfully completed an abstinence based recovery programme focussing on a holistic approach to treatment and is now a keen advocate for spirituality and religion. In short, his personal beliefs towards drug use have changed entirely, and he’s now living a drug free life championing support for others.
If a celebrity like Russell Brand, who was so deeply entrenched in drug use at one time in his life, can transform himself in such a positive way, then why can’t you? At InnerLife Recovery we help you turn your life around, no matter your addiction. By focussing on treating the person in front of us, using bespoke treatment plans that are tailored to your needs, we can ensure you have multiple weapons to fight your addictions when you leave us – with our ongoing aftercare support too, of course, giving you the best possible chance of sustained change.
Who Is Russell Brand?
Russell Brand’s roots are in stand up comedy, but he’s appeared in film, talk shows, wrote books, and has acted as an activist. Russell Brand’s career is varied, and for a time he was known for having strong opinions about politics, broadcasting and controversial topics – often leaning into the controversy to further his fame.
He was always a divisive figure but was respected by many for his openness about his addictions. Chiefly, Russell frequently discusses his experiences as a sex and drug addict to help others fight what he calls a drugs war.
Brand’s Early Life
Russell Brand’s start in life was tougher than most. Born in Essex in 1975, his parents separated when he was just 6 months, and he was raised by his mother for the most part. The rest of Russell’s childhood is best described as tumultuous – as was his relationship with his father.
When he was just 8 years old, his mother was diagnosed with an aggressive form of uterine and breast cancer and so he lived with relatives during this time. At age 16 he returned to his mother, but chose to leave shortly after due to issues with his mother’s partner.
Whilst living with relatives, at around 14, Brand also developed an eating disorder – bulimia nervosa, and at 16 was expelled from the academy he attended in 1991 for illegal drug use.
Despite his challenges, his flair for comedy and acting was discovered, and he eventually found fame and accolades, becoming the Hackney Empire New Act of the Year in 2000.
His work in comedy and his autobiographical writings detail his struggles with addictions of many forms over the years and they’re very candid about the drugs he used.
Did Russell Brand Abuse Drugs Because Of His Celebrity Status?
Brand has had experience with a range of drugs over his time, heroin is perhaps his most often talked about struggle, but he used an array of drugs both before and after fame, so it wasn’t necessarily fame that triggered his addictions. However, Russell Brand himself has admitted that dealing with drug addictions and fame was especially difficult.
He also candidly discusses how addiction is irrational and takes full control over an individual’s life – which is the experience of almost every addict no matter their addiction. Brand claimed that drug addiction, for him, was a serious disease with potentially fatal outcomes – he saw drugs as something that could realistically have led to prison, mental institutions, or death.
For Russell Brand, drug use was a coping mechanism to deal with the traumas of his past and the fame he was struggling with, to escape his life, if only for a little while. Following the death of Amy Winehouse, Russel Brand became critical of the way British society looks at addictive behaviors and addiction, and has ever since been championing removing the shame of drug addiction from the equation so that addicts can focus wholly on changing their circumstances instead of wasting time feeling as though their addictions ought to be hidden from others.
Russell Brand’s Autobiography
In 2017, Russell Brand released an autobiography “Recovery: Freedom From Our Addictions”, where he looked closely at addiction and the psychology behind it, focussing also on how his celebrity status impacted upon both his addiction and recovery from it. Today, Brand also discusses how his drug abuse was really just a failed attempt at finding completion and connection, which he now finds through other things such as religion, spirituality, mindfulness and connecting with others on a genuine front.
He also discusses his addiction to various other substances and behaviours, from eating disorders to sex addiction, crack, marijuana, and meth to alcohol and hallucinogens. All of these behaviours and substances were used as a coping mechanism. This is often the case for many addicts, and the key to successful treatment is finding other coping mechanisms that work for them. This looks different for everybody, which is why an individualised treatment plan is so important.
It wasn’t until 2003 that Brand’s struggle with drug addiction made him reach rock bottom. From there, he sought help for his addictions, and whilst his road to recovery has been difficult, by following the Alcoholics Anonymous 12 step program, focusing on a holistic approach that champions individuals and prioritises their wellbeing throughout, he is now living a far healthier, fulfilling life.
Russell Brand’s Addictions Through The Years
Russell’s first encounter with addiction was as a teenager, dealing with bulimia nervosa, an eating disorder characterised by repeated cycles of binge eating followed by purging. Looking back now, Brand recognises that this was his first attempt at controlling the difficult emotions he was dealing with at this time in his life.
During his late teens and early twenties, his addictions evolved to include substance abuse. After his success as a celebrity, these addictions became worse. Brand admits to abusing a range of substances during this period of his life from marijuana to ecstasy and even LSD. In 2001, he was even dismissed from his work at MTV for bringing his drug dealer to work with him – such was the extent of his addictions back then.
Perhaps the most destructive of his substance addictions later became heroin. He became incredibly dependent on the escape that heroin provided from his daily struggles, a dependence so overpowering that he lost jobs and relationships, and even found himself arrested multiple times. Heroin, Brand candidly admits, offered him complete escape from the world and his troubles which only caused him to rely on the drug more and more on difficult days.
Russell also struggled with alcoholism during this time. Alcohol worked to temporarily relieve the pain he felt about his troubles in the past.
It’s clear that for Russell Brand, substance abuse became a way to escape, but this then developed into an addiction that quickly spiralled out of control.
Brand’s Other Addictions
One of Russell’s other addictions unrelated to substance abuse later became sex addiction – a behavioural addiction characterised by a compulsive need for sexual encounters to provide momentary relief from his problems.
In addition to his other addictions and substance abuse, Russell was also struggling with mental health conditions during this time as well as bipolar disorder and ADHD, complicating his addictions more and leading to more frequent engagement with his addictive behaviours to try and find some relief.
Behavioural and substance abuse addictions are often interwoven and this can lead to more complex addictive behaviours that need to be unpicked in treatment. This can only be achieved through tailored treatment that’s designed to deal with each addiction, behaviour and condition separately and jointly to give you the best chance of avoiding relapse and tackling your addictions for good.
Other Celebrities Who Have Successfully Tackled Addictions
1. Drew Barrymore
Drew Barrymore is famous for her acting career, which she started at a young age. This exposure actually led to addictions to alcohol, marijuana and cocaine as a teenager. Her struggles with addiction have been frequently discussed by Drew herself, inspiring others to keep fighting their addictions even if they fall, as hers has been a long road to recovery marked by multiple rehab attempts before finally achieving sobriety.
2. Robert Downey Jr.
Best known for his portrayals of iconic fictional characters such as Tony Stark/Iron Man and Sherlock Holmes, Robert Downey Jr is one of the most successful actors today. Yet his own career was nearly derailed by drug addictions, including an addiction to heroin. Downey Jr was arrested multiple times and attended rehab multiple times before eventually achieving his goals and mastering his career.
3. Elton John
Elton John needs no introduction. The world-famous musician has had a glistening career, yet he has faced multiple addictions including alcohol, cocaine, and bulimia. Elton credits rehab and a strong support system throughout his recovery as the reason for his success.
4. Demi Lovato
Demi Lovato is a famous actress and singer, launching to fame as a Disney star. But fame came at a cost for Demi and she’s been very honest about her struggles with cocaine addiction and mental health problems. Her journey through rehab was marked by very public relapses and struggles, but her openness has now marked her as an inspiration for young people facing addiction and mental health struggles.
5. Angelina Jolie
Oscar-winning actress, Angelina Jolie, previously faced drug addictions, including heroin. Her success as an actress and humanitarian figure proves that no matter your past, no matter your addictions, you can change your life for the better and be a force for good for others.
6. Eminem
Eminem is, perhaps, the most influential and successful rapper of all time, yet his addictions to prescription drugs such as methadone and Vicodin led to an overdose that nearly cost him his life. His music touches a lot of his struggles with addiction and he’s an inspiration for many facing similar issues.
7. Steven Tyler
Aerosmith frontman Steven Tyler dealt with severe drug and alcohol addictions throughout his career, which cost him significantly in both his personal and professional lives. Only after achieving sobriety through a successful stint in rehab did Tyler, and Aerosmith’s, career take off, showing that a great life could be waiting on the other side of addiction for anybody.
8. Carrie Fisher
That’s right. Star Wars’ Princess Leia herself, actress Carrie Fisher once battled with cocaine and prescription medication addictions. Carrie was also diagnosed with bipolar disorder and her work raising awareness about mental health problems and addiction also sets her apart as an inspiring figure for those facing their own struggles.
9. Nicole Richie
Nicole Richie is a well-known fashion designer and reality TV star, but she’s been completely honest about her experience battling her addiction to heroin and cocaine. Throughout her addiction she was looked upon as just another troubled celebrity, but her rehab and recovery has transformed her public image and she’s now regarded as an inspiration for many as a top-class mother and entrepreneur.
10. Ozzy Osbourne
Ozzy Osbourne has had a well-documented, lengthy history with drug and alcohol addictions, talked about often in the media. His road to recovery was marked with challenges and frequent relapses, but he has found a way out the other side, just as anyone can with the right support and treatment option.
All 10 of the celebrities above, as well as Russell Brand, have faced unique addictions and personal struggles, but all of them have achieved success by finding the right rehabilitation programme for them, and working to change their InnerLife for the better.
How Does InnerLife Recovery Help Those Facing Addictions?
Our holistic approach to treating addictions – both behavioural and substance related – is fundamentally based on offering support using the 12-step approach often associated with Alcoholics Anonymous. But our approach goes further. We use these fundamentals, but also ensure we offer a range of therapies and holistic activities to further support your recovery.
A selection of the therapies and activities we offer at our rehabilitation centre in Spain is discussed below:
1. NAD+ IV Therapy
NAD+ IV Therapy, or, to give its full name – Nicotinamide Adenine Dinucleotide IV therapy – is a treatment that offers an infusion of a coenzyme present in all living cells via an IV drip. It helps literally rejuvenate the cells in your body, playing a crucial role in cellular metabolism and energy production, giving you a renewed feeling that reduces cravings and withdrawal symptoms. Better yet, it begins the process of cellular repair, reducing the damage suffered during substance abuse.
This therapy is key for those struggling with substance addiction as it makes the withdrawal process more comfortable than it would otherwise be, encouraging you to put your addiction in the past, reset, reflect, and then move on.
2. Spiritual Counselling
Personal beliefs drive our actions. For some, those personal beliefs are often linked to spirituality, which doesn’t always have to mean religion. In spiritual counselling sessions, you’ll explore what your own beliefs, values and purpose in life is. It’s a great way to find comfort during this transition in your life. Spiritual counselling can also foster a sense of belonging and connection to others, as well find meaning for your life after addiction.
Russell Brand is now a huge advocate for spirituality and talks openly about his budding relationship with God and how this has helped keep him on the straight and narrow throughout his addiction treatment.
3. Sound Therapy
This might seem an odd thing for those not used to the benefits of sound therapy, but through these sessions we work with you to find therapeutic sounds – either through music or simply specific sound frequencies that are proven to reduce stress and improve your emotional control and wellbeing.
The link between sound frequencies and their effects on the body and mind are being researched more and more, and we offer it at InnerLife Recovery as a supporting therapy to provide calm during your rehabilitation.
4. Cold Water Therapy
Exposure to cold water doesn’t have to be extreme. Don’t worry, we don’t ask you to undergo extreme exposure here. A cold shower, bath, or dip in natural bodies of water is often enough to get the rewards associated with cold exposure.
Research continues into the benefits of cold water exposure, but already it’s proven to improve circulation, boost mood, reduce mental health issue risk, improve mental resilience and reduce inflammation in the body. These lead to improved physical and mental health, something that is invaluable in addiction recovery.
5. Oxygen Spa Therapy
Oxygen spa therapy is a therapy which involves breathing in pure oxygen in a controlled environment. Breathing in oxygen using an oxygen spa or bar is believed to increase energy, improve brain function, reduce stress and aid in the recovery process following addiction and substance abuse.
We offer this therapy to support your mind and body’s rejuvenation as you work to eliminate your addiction and improve your life.
6. Breathwork Classes
Controlled, deliberate breathing can help you control your autonomic nervous system, supporting in reducing anxiety, grounding yourself in the present moment, and helping your regulate your emotions more effectively.
It might seem like just a small thing, but if you’re able to ground yourself, deal with big emotions effectively and reduce anxiety around your addiction, then you’re much less likely to engage in the addictive behaviour.
7. Yoga Classes
Yoga is excellent for lots of people looking to improve their physical health, reduce stress, and connect with oneself more effectively. It involves standing and stretching in different poses whilst controlling your breathing. Meditation is also often included as part of the class to allow you time to pause, reflect, and focus on your goals.
Yoga supports your recovery from addiction and is an excellent skill and hobby to leave with, something you can use when you’re back home to ensure your continued success.
8. Massage Treatments
Massage treatments might feel like a luxury that’s simply been included for the sake of it, but actually massage therapy can have a real impact on your recovery, helping you manage stress and improve your comfort during this difficult transformative stage of your life.
Receiving massages can help you with both the physical and emotional components of addiction recovery.
How InnerLife Recovery Can Help You Or A Loved One
At InnerLife Recovery we recognise that addiction is a complex thing that needs to be unpicked with care and the right tools put in place to prevent relapse in the future. We know that addiction affects every facet of a person’s life, and we make it our priority to help you transform your inner one.
By focusing on healing the mind, body, and spirit, we give you the best chance possible of leaving your addiction and your old life behind and support you in building a new, positive life – just as Russell Brand and the other celebrities discussed today managed to do on their own road to recovery.
From heroin addiction to alcohol addiction, sex addiction and other behavioural addictions besides, we can support you or a loved one through whatever addiction you’re fighting today. Simply contact us
Sources
1. https://fherehab.com/learning/russell-brand-life-after-addiction
2. https://www.standard.co.uk/lifestyle/russell-brand-life-allegations-career-extremes-b1107645.html
3. https://movemequotes.com/russell-brand-quotes-from-recovery/
4.https://www.ctvnews.ca/entertainment/russell-brand-turned-to-drugs-because-he-felt-lonely-1.1638257
5. https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-66822781
6. https://www.nhs.uk/live-well/addiction-support/drug-addiction-getting-help/
