What It Was Like When I Hit Rock Bottom | Russell Brand 

I’m sitting in a freezing parking lot in Nashville right now watching you while my wife is in a meeting with her home group. She’s still drinking but she’ll go to meetings so that’s something positive in my mind. I can only pray because the tears don’t come anymore. You give me hope.

I've been clean from crack and heroin for 3 years now. Respect to everyone who could get over it, and stay strong - to anyone who's in their journey atm. Amen

I feel like I'm in limbo between being an intelligent human who knows what's right and someone who just wants to be numb 24/7

The “socially sanctioned addictions” line hit very close to home for me: being online too much, too many video games, and spending money on stupid stuff I don’t need. Thanks for your brave sharing, and your continued illumination and light of Knowledge.

One month clean from IV meth use. It is very hard, but am trying. Thank you for sharing your story/experiences with us.

6 months clean from heroin today and it is tough. Thank you for giving me something to strive harder for. Everyone tells you it gets better but I just saw how. .. and that's everything.

Mad respect for everyone recovering from drug addictions. You got this champ

It's so beautiful to see how humbled Russell is and how much he wants to spread the message that sobriety is the way. I absolutely love what you're doing with your life now. God bless.

7 days today. Just taking it 1 day at a time.

The morning I sat on my couch all coked up with a 9mm to my head was my rock bottom. Thank God for a mom who led a life of example for me that when that whispering spirit spoke to me and reminded me of her exemplary life and maybe I should try it was the most profound moment of my young life. It was a long hard battle but by the grace of God I'm still battling and living a very happy life.

When my father died, I relapsed after 3 years sober. I was worse than ever, spending about $900 a week on cocaine, more if I won at the casino. Sleeping on the floor of a friends bug infested basement, somehow I kept it a secret from everyone for over a year. After 31 visits to the hospital in one month, the thought of my mother explaining to my neice what had happened to me, and my Fiance finding out I lied our whole relationship was my rock bottom. Though I still feel broken, my children and my spirituality are my strength and motivation. 16 years sober last August.

Man I totally understand this all! I used to put Ice, coke and heroine in the same spoon! It really took a tole on me! But I got away from it all after 20+ years of using! I feel amazing only after 3 1/2 years clean! Keep talking about it Russel it really helps! Thanks

"Addiction beggins with pain and addiction ends with pain, that's the cycle of it" So well said!!

Isn't it amazing how us addicts who actually get sober are actually smart and critical thinkers!? I think one reason I dove into addiction myself was to quiet my mind & soul... Your content is the best out here! Thank you sir!

My addiction ended on my way to federal prison. It wasn't the intervention I wanted but it was the intervention I needed. In prison, the happiest man I ever met who had already done 35 years behind the fence told me you can get better or you can get bitter, you can't do both. Been clean over 13yrs now. Its simply a choice to live versus a choice to die slowly. I did it. You can too if you haven't already. Farewell my friends. Don't let life get in the way of living Edit: Thank you RB for sharing

Thank you Russell. In February of 2022 I hit 3 years sober and like you I try to share my horrific story to others. Bless you my friend!

He explains exactly how I feel about my addiction. I checked into rehab for the first today. 🤞

Bless you Russell and bless everyone watching this who is fighting their demons....

30 years today

Almost 9 years off Heroin & Coke. I feel for the addicts of now that have extreme convenience working for them and against them simultaneously. I felt your words Sir. I had too many rock bottoms unfortunately. Several moments of realization that what I had become and what I was doing wasn't in my or my community's best interests. Unfortunately I didn't start living life on life's terms till my 30's. But it's better late than never. Im 40 soon with a mortgage, wife, kids. Everything I've achieved has been because my last 9 years. Cheers Russell! Cheers to everyone 1 day out of hell, and Cheers to everyone realizing today you can leave your hell for something better.

This version of Russell brand is so much easier to like. He’s a natural leader and he’s finally contributing positively. Good on you mate.

"It went something like - it was fun, then fun with problems, then just problems"

many rock bottoms many detox's hospitals attempts at rehab hated reality.... clean now for 16 years... miracle

Watched this the first time on June 24th 2021 and became my clean date from heroin and meth. Today is March 28th 2022. Nine months clean and it started right here watching this. Love you RB, you inspire people. Please never forget that.

As an ex addict I remember being kind of jealous of other addicts who had people forcing them into treatment and rehab. I think if you have people who care about you enough to do that, you are very blessed.

"It's a kind of crystallisation... a lot of you dies and fades and withers, and you're exposed to the pain that you've been trying to avoid." This was immensely helpful, thank you Russell.

Don't take offense because I mean this as a compliment. I cannot believe how beautiful and thoughtful your channel is. I always imagined you as a sort of an Amy Winehouse (poor girl) type of party guy. I never would've thought that I'd hang on every one of your words but I do. We now live in a world where Russell Brand is a voice of logic and reason in a world of turmoil and distrust. Thank you, I'm proud of you, and I love you. God bless.

Never had addiction issue myself, but have had close friends & family. I love that you can talk about this so freely. I am sure it will save lives and souls. ❤️

6.5 years without alcohol and now at a point where I'm able to say I'm 'sober' with pride. Not just "I don't drink". I'm proud of all of us, whatever day we're on. ♥️

Once I had the realization that being drunk and high didn't actually feel good everything changed. Being messed up it a terrible feeling. Then you feel even worse when you come down. So much time wasted just being drunk or high and doing nothing. Be sober, create, love, explore, observe. The world is a beautiful place even if modern society is trying to destroy it. Step out of your house. Go outside. Be grateful that you are here.

In an age of insane jump cut editing on you tube, almost purposefully, as if to re-awake the ten second attention span... To see a guy roll continuously with such fluidity is such a pleasure and a show of talent.

I lost my best friend of 14 years to a heroin overdose in 2015. It was the hardest thing I've ever been through. She left this world and 2 weeks later I went into a psych hospital center so I wouldn't follow her. I very badly wanted to. I watched her try so hard to get clean only to crash and burn. And those that loved her so much are the ones left behind in the pain because she's no longer with us. Pain from childhood abuse led to her using drugs. Now I've been hurting for 6 years because those drugs took her from me.

So glad you found your path Russell. My youngest daughter never did and left this world in 2016. Thank you for being so brave and giving us so much to admire and appreciate…

I just quit all substances myself and when Russel said “my youth and my whole life had been defined by addiction” I’ve been smoking weed or trying to get high since I was 13-14 years old, I’m 24 now and I’ve forgotten what it’s like to live life without substances and watching these videos really makes me feel better about my decision

His fist words are what's terrifying about addiction. He's 18 years clean, but knows that it's still there. That all it takes is one bad day or whatever, and it swallows you whole all over again.

Thank you Russell, for all your guidance. My 18 year old son is in the throws of Ketamine addiction at the moment and I find your channel helpful in trying to find ways on how to communicate with him. My heart is breaking for him but you bring hope and I'm trying to turn him on to your content. Thank you.

5 years 6 months and 8 days clean today. Greetings from finland

I've been sober more than 20 years. Much respect to you Russell for your courage in talking about difficult experiences. I wish you well. And, thank you for continuing to speak plain truths to power.

18 YEARS! Thats so inspiring Russel thank you! 8+years personally and not judging MYSELF so harshly was the hardest thing for me to recognize as a problem. thank you for sharing Russel.

Ive passed by this video so many times. Watched it for the first time and wow. I am an addict, been clean 6 years now and am still in recovery group Once a week. Thank you Russell for being so candid and open. You really are helping people, don't ever forget that sir.

Even in the wild and wrecked days, this erudite, clever, funny man struck me as a diamond in the rough. So often, people tried to squash this soul. I’m glad he was all the while expanding to bring us the genuine and open goodness of his brilliant and beautiful work

I have to say man, when you first came on the scene I wasn’t the biggest fan ( my ignorance I apologise)but you’re metamorphosis into one of the beacons of honest, fair and true media, which we need now more than ever! Thank you and god bless ✌🏼

Shout out to all the people battling through every day. 🙏

My son just turned 23 (thank god he’s made it thus far) and he suffers with addiction. He started innocent enough with weed at around age 13 and it has just spiraled out of control…opioids, benzos, and a brief time with meth. He has all the love and support one could get. He has mental pain driving his addiction. It’s inspiring to hear stories of others who have made it to the other side of it.

empathy is the most powerfull weapon. and you're wielding it heroically

"Starts with pain, ends with pain" 💯 true

I see this guy who has educated himself on why he abused...much like as an abuse survivor I've become educated on my abuser. The best teacher is a survivor.

I was an addict for a good 10 years and never got low enough to stop. Tried several rehabs and nothing. I was lucky enough to have a moment of clarity while I was watching my sons birth. It took me a year but I have been clean since 03-03-03. If I can do it you can.

A man that is self aware,has dove deep into his soul and speaks with the clarity that you do, is lovely to see!✨

24 years sobriety so far. I also have bipolar syndrome.

This is beautiful. I’ve got 5 1/2 months, Russell. I’m on the journey, and I find this so inspiring. 🥰

I am 51 and I wouldn’t know you tube if it weren’t for my son. I have never said this to anyone “famous “ or who has a channel. But you not only are helping to get help but making me feel it’s ok to have different opinions and still respect people. Thank you!

His use of language is addictive. Well done. Stay blessed and sober.

I hit rock bottom 3 years ago, not from drugs but from a mental illness coming out from my traumatic childhood. PTSD, I was suicidal I couldn't work I had no family to turn too because they were the abusive party and I didn't want to go back to that enviroment. Then I went to the Mind charity and got help, and my friends who are my extended family kept me going. I am back at work now and still receiving treatment. Your video gives me hope of leaving my childhood behind and finding happiness and health. Thank you for the upload Russell. You have done so well in your recovery from your addiction. Xxx

“Ego not being the dominant driving force” is huge for recovery.

Needed to hear this tonight, Russell. God willing I'll have 40 years in a few months, but the last 2-3 years have been tough (pandemic just an excuse). Solitude -> isolation -> desolation -> despair...all self-induced. Still, I have countless reasons to be grateful to be sober and alive; just needed a timely reminder! Thank you.

I used to hate seeing the old Russel on screen HATE THAT GUY. AMAZED by this man. INSPIRED

1 year 4 months and 2 days. Russell brand played a big part. Thank you man! Never been happier or more free

August 8th , 2018 is the last time I stuck a needle in my arm.. much respect and love to everyone on here, clean or not, keep fighting. It gets better I promise. I went from no car , no girl, renting a room at a sober house, bullshit job, no money, paycheck to paycheck... to a 2020 car , an amazing gf who also happens to be baby mom to a beautiful 4 month old boy, still a bullshit job but better than the last , we rent a 3 bedroom house looking to buy next year , and I have a lil more than a months worth of money saved aside. The thing most people won't tell you , is you have to work on yourself, spiritual and emotionally and the rest will just come with it. You have to get extremely uncomfortable with yourself to get comfortable. Most of yall (in active addiction) didn't get to where you at now overnight did ya?

The extremes we go to to soothe that inner void. That hunger to appease the poor trembling self. All anybody wants is to be loved accepted cherished and to be without aforementioned is when the bad habits set in. Your intensity ,passion, plight for truth and transparency is so refreshing.

When your using just to feel normal was when I got close to rock bottom then my 97 yr old grandmother said she prays for me every night. She was the only family member that could tell I was killing myself, I was excellent at hiding my addiction, and she asked me "Why are you paying someone to poison yourself???" I had no answer. I got so pissed off at myself, so I got help and on her deathbed I told her her prayers worked and she need not worry, she smiled and said she already knew. Been 4 yrs as of 2days ago and life has gotten better and better!

I went to treatment the same winter of ‘01-‘02. Sober since! I love you man.

I quit WEED this month at age 74. On my birthday, I got a message that my lungs could not take any more.

Thank you for sharing this part of you. I’m a recovering meth addict. Starting using drugs at 14 then found meth at 18-19 and that was my main drug until I finally got clean in my 40’s. I didn’t think I had a problem for the longest time because I could put it down and walk away from it over the years. I thought I hit rock bottom in 2002 when my home state kicked me out LOL it’s funny now not so much at the time. However 9 1/2 yrs later I relapsed hard. I hooked up with the most meanest brutal man ive ever known and I lost my kids to the state at teenagers. I was only out for a year and a half but man in that time I completely destroyed mine and my kids lives🥺 july 20 2012 is my clean date! I went into treatment and I’m a proud member of 12 step community. It’s saved my life. I’m coming up on 10yrs clean and sober and I’m beyond proud of myself. For me I had to get past that 9 1/2 yr marker for me to be proud of myself. But here I am and I’m so thankful for the life I have today. My kids are in my life and I’m a whole new woman. Along with drug addiction I’m also bipolar and I suffer from chronic wide spread daily pain. But even so I keep going because life now compared to my using days is absolutely priceless. Before recovery and working on all the ick inside from my childhood and my life of insanity I hated waking up every morning being pissed off at god for not killing me already. Not today!! Today I’m happy for the first time in my life I’m genuinely happy and grateful. I’ve always admired you because of you being in recovery and being so open about it. Thank you for leading the way. Love you friend💖💖

Two weeks sober here and loved to hear this, thank you

I am not an addict but I do my best to "study" it. My brother was an addict for over 20 years. He lost his battle with his demons on June 7th 2020 at 2:45am. I tried my best to help him, we all did. I turned him on to Russell a few years ago. He loved you, he tried his hardest. He went into 14 rehabs over 4 years. But Fentanyl won him over in the end. I miss him every second of the day. He was a good man. He tried his hardest to be a good dad. His guilt and his ego were both enormous though. I hope any addict reading this gets the help they need. Not just for their families but for themselves. You are worth a good life, you deserve happiness. You deserve an easier life. There is ALWAYS someone to talk to, to listen to you, to help you. Take the help. Please.

15 days ago - that monday morning, i took an uber to the emergency room to detox from alcohol. i had binged the night before and i was already have withdraws at 7am within an hour of getting to the ER i had a seizure i’m so thankful and grateful that i chose sobriety and my kids couldn’t be more proud of me ❤️ keep spreading love, russell xx

About 11 years clean now. Couldn't be happier or more grateful. I actually owe it to my late dog, Cam Shaft. It's a struggle but I'm so happy we made it! And yes Russell, YES, God help the kids of today; these are dark & dangerous times indeed. ❤️💪🤗

Thank you. My son has many addictions. He has been to rehab many times. I pray he finds what his spirit craves and stays sober. Your video helped me to understand him better. I love him dearly and all of you who suffer with addiction and pain. Almost lost him twice to overdose.

Your holistic mix of intellect, self-reflection, storytelling skill & eloquence is on a level I didn’t even know existed. Thank you, Russel. Thank you for sharing these insights & opinions that never fail to be both brutally honest & exceptionally kind with us! ♡

Proud of you! I've been sober 4 years and counting! Never going back to that mess! Keep on killin' it, Russell!

Beautiful. As an addict in recovery for 6 years it helps to remember we are in this together. Truly love you for sharing your pain and triumph.

I always felt that people who often struggled with something have the greatest gifts to give. Russell you are an example of a well rounded being able to give so much because you know the struggle and the fight. And rose through your challenges. God bless you. Thanks for what you give to us...light literally shines through you and helps us all.

Acceptance, willingness, self control, gratitude... pray for these everyday.

You are a brave man. Although more people realize that people use drugs or alcohol for stress; there is still a stigma to addiction. People should know the traumatic backround of addicts before they judge. You're helping other people by telling your story.

Thank you for opening up to everyone and giving your story. You can tell by reading the comments under your videos how much your helping others so thank you for bearing your soul to us. Thank you for showing us how human you are and showing us how low it got. Because seeing how far you have come aswell I'm sure is helping so many. We need more people like you!

I’ll be going through opiate wd for the last time starting tomorrow. Getting my life back after all these years of waste

Beautifully and accurately spoken. I've been clean since '78. Hardest part was leaving the druggy social life behind. I walked away from everyone, got on a jet airliner to Israel and devoted my life to my family, spirituality and service. Love is all.

My uncle has been addicted to Heroin for 35 years. My Grandmother told him she is too old to be dealing with his issues anymore. Such a difficult world for everyone. Good luck and best wishes to everyone affected by the pain of drug addiction.

So much love to those who are struggling in their addiction and those who have come thru to the other side. We just all have to keep going and learning and digging deeper and doing the best we can. Spread love ❤

Would love to just sit and talk to this man for hours

Russell, do you have any idea how inspiring you are? I don’t know you, I am not an addict, but i listen to you: a Hollywood celebrity, heartthrob, talented artist, using a common platform to help others, and in the journey , help yourself. I love how articulate you are, and I genuinely believe you are meant for greatness. Good work, and be proud of yourself.

As a non-drug user, I can only say thank you for this honest summation. Most people in our crazy world walk around lonely, feeling unloved, misunderstood and as if the only way to get away from that feeling is to get wasted on intoxicants... but just think... toxic is right there in that word. Love what you say Russell. Thank you.

14 years clean and sober...still working everyday to stay that way...only someone who has been through the nightmare of drug addiction can understand And clearly you've been there brother..it's this honesty in discussing the pain and fear of addiction that is so liberating as an addict...no more excuses...no more denial...no more blame...you gotta want it..you gotta fight for it..and y gotta OWN IT... otherwise you're doomed..you'll never make it out

I was a really a hard core alcoholic, starting at age 14 up until about 25. I know it might sound funny or unrealistic to some, but at age 15 I'd already get so drunk I'd have about 0.3 blood alcohol content at least once a week. Black outs lasting up to 8 hours. During summer break naturally I had a lot more time to drink, so at age 17 I got drunk for about 60 days straight during the summer. Started smoking weed and hash when I was 16, then took my first LSD trip a week after I turned 17. Couple all this with the fact that I was also a gaming addict and got absolutely no physical exercise, didn't give a fuck whether I ate or not and regularly stayed up until like 10 a.m. , whether gaming or drunk and was also addicted to porn, at age 18 my body was so broken it's hard to even comprehend for a normal person. I began having overwhelming insomnia, was insanely tired all the time, could barely stay awake during any daily activites, was suffering intense anxiety during the most trivial of daily interactions with people who've been around me for years (class mates etc.) which eventually became full blown panic attacks. Then after high school I kinda started taking it easier with the alcohol, still drinking all the time but not getting drunk that severely. Started doing LSD & ecstasy about once a month at the age of 20. Naturally, I dropped out of college after 2 attempts at the 1st year. Eventually when I was 22 or so, I hit some kind of a peak on one of the trips and realized I needed to purify myself from all this shit, including all the underlying negative emotional/behavioral patterns that caused it all in the first place. Then when I was 23 one of my best friends, who was very similar to me regarding addiction, got murdered by a guy we used to hang out with over literally like 15 dollars worth of weed money. As I already wanted to get clean anyway for a while, this was the catalyst that sprung me into action. I was also on the verge of committing suicide due to unrequited love and just the general sense of having no idea what to do with my life. Even though I kept using for about a year after my friend's death, at this point using made even less sense than it ever did so I eventually got a job as a cook and started working. It was a pretty intense job, so after a while I realized that I would simply feel better and be in less pain while working if I stopped using and drinking completely. About 6 months later I stopped working there but I was left with the realization that I will actually feel better if I quit using completely. So I stopped abusing substances, stopped watching porn, started having regular exercise and eventually started learning programming when I was about 25. It took me like 4-5 years , but I eventually fixed my body and now I can say that I'm in better shape than most people. I also got my first IT job last year, then got fired due to COVID, then found a new one which I started working at this month. I'm still trying to make sense of what the fuck the point of all this shit is supposed to be, but at least now I can sleep properly, feel and look physically decent and have a comfortable job, not being dependent on anyone economically. But in conclusion I don't think it was ever the drugs that hurt me that much, if anything they sort of made me understand how insane I was. It was the more mundane and socially accepted things that ruined my health completely - alcohol, porn and being a couch potato (or more like a potato chip, since I was actually very skinny due to all this shit).

There is no such thing as rock bottom. Hell is a bottomless pit. It only gets worse everyday until you quit.

Having to turn around and walk back thru the smoldering ashes of your life and relationships is a beyond sobering experience.

You can't ever reach that imaginary nirvana you're trying to find and look for with drugs. Being a drug addict for over 25 years I search for something unattainable. That's NOT the answer. We have to feel the pain. Thank you Russell. May the gods bless you

Without doubt one of THE most interesting voices on the internet today. Your honesty and openess is going to be so valuable to many people. What a very fine lad you have grown up into Russell..who could not love this guy?

“ A constant theme in all addiction is an ongoing sense of incompleteness.”

4 1/2 years and I still remember the darkness and can feel it as well. Such a dark lonely place and Im grateful I'm recovered for today!

My level of respect for who you are, what you do, and the way you’re able to convey your story has grown ten fold. Your story resonates with me on multiple levels, especially when you touched upon your spiritual breakthrough. Praying for you as you continue your walk. Greater things have yet to come.

one week from oxycontin, never thought id ever make it this far. This video was a spiritual and relatable realization for me as well. Know your enemies... because some of them may be inside you. Thanks for this vid!!

I'm proud of you Russell, john in Miami FL recovering heroin addict. Keep up the good fight brotha, we've got to unite.

Thank you Russell for caring about the addicts and young ones who are so vulnerable.

I appreciate your looking back and going through the crazy, embarrassing things you did and maintaining your composure because it shows you have completely accepted, understood, and forgiven yourself for having done those things. I still feel extreme shame and it physically hurts to think about some of the crazy things I pulled. Thankfully, to date, apart from using itself I've never engaged in criminal activity nor have I ever hurt anyone. I've been betrayed and hurt by many though. I need to make peace with that part of my life. The nightmare isn't over though. This is year 13 of my 2nd bout with meth. The first lasted 5 years then I had nearly 3 years of sobriety. This 2nd era of meth addiction started in May 2009 and, I kid you not, it has been daily usage nonstop since. I'm as much addicted to the seedy fast life and all its quirky characters and all the lustful and erratic feelings and sensations that fluctuate within me constantly as I am to the drug itself but I know there is more to this life. I dream about it often.

I love how this guy is so transparent with no ego. He is very genuine and that is something hard to find.

I've been sober for nearly 8 years now. I was a "2 time loser", meaning I had gotten clean and sober for over 5 years on two separate occasions only to relapse and fall back into the hellish pit of addiction. The 2nd relapse lasted over 8 years and nearly killed me. Out of desperation I finally became willing to work the steps and they have set me free.

I used to not like him bit he changed hes very intelligent and seems like a really nice guy ,his videos are always good.

I have given up drinking and smoking after 25 years . I have it up 2 month's ago , l did it for myself and feel great . I feel more confident. STAY STRONG