Relapsed? You're Not Alone

In this video I speak with Paul who I met on my tour in Bristol about how to overcome addiction through the 12 Steps.
Share your thoughts in the comments section and tell me what things helps you!
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[@elray5531]

“You are not an object, you are an event. Continuously reorganizing”, I like that one.

[@adammckay296]

Fuck yeah I love this, the top of my head nearly poppped off when I heard it!

[@snowwhite3794]

To anyone struggling, you have the power to be sober today, this moment. Don't worry about tomorrow, tomorrow will worry about itself. From someone in longterm recovery. There is hope!

[@ugsskywatchermckenzie4319]

Much love to everyone fighting this battle! You’re Definitely not alone 💕

[@walkinlight3380]

Such an important message! I lost my brother to addiction. Never quit trying and never give up! You matter and your life matters! I pray for you all and thank you Russell for caring about your fellow man.

[@PeachesCourage]

My Nephew died from alcoholism suddenly in his apartment sepsis actually He was 6 feet tall and something and so robust-looking However he was getting pale and unhealthy too when I had seen him last He was a precious baby like all of us I guess he felt the struggle and he's a man you know? I'm a lot older and yes a man however he was also such a sweet soul You get mixed up in all this and feel stuck Wish I'd told him about Russell at this time

[@allisonleighandrews8495]

so sorry for your loss, thank you for sharing your experience and encouraging others. I'm sure he is watching you right now and really proud of you and grateful for you taking care to lift up his fellows.

[@walkinlight3380]

My heart breaks for you an your family. I'm so sorry. I know the pain of watching someone you love slowly kill themselves

[@walkinlight3380]

Really appreciate your kind comment! Thank you.

[@samshailer8530]

Wow, I love what you said, you don’t give up the drugs and alcohol, you give up the person who is addicted to drugs and alcohol! That’s a new perspective, thank you 😊 🙏

[@candislubbe3249]

I also loved it. Im not an addict but in recovery because I constantly evolve. Elevation in spirituality is basically leaving behind the old you....

[@gavinspeaks]

Remember that you’re amazing! Your parents, your ex’s, toxic people etc. Don’t make them become you. You must let go of what they have done. You must move on from what they did. Don’t carry the poison of hurt expecting your life to change. One must heal, forgive and let go to make SPACE for a new life. ~Much Love from a Law of Attraction KZbinr💜

[@vanutra]

I'm a month sober! Too many benefits outweighing the negatives for me. I never want another hangover/comedown again! I want to experience reality in all it's shitty glory 😂👌🏼 No more escapism 🙏🏼🙏🏼🌻🌻☮️☮️X ❤️ X

[@planetarytapestry8092]

So Proud of you. You and All Struggling and realizing There is Another Life out there waiting to be lived in Love, Peace and Gratitude....I pray for you All.❤️🌺🐞🐝🌞🌄🌻🌼🐦🍃🕯️🕊️

[@JSp4wN]

I was going to write a long pitty me and then I decided against it for self preservation. I do wish everyone good luck that reads this but to always keep people at arms reach. Never give anyone your power. That's my 2 cents. Cheers

[@margaretgrey4238]

12 step is for everyone! All of us have addiction to some behavior that does us no good. We all need help. We all need love and accountability.

[@ATurkeySandwichGAME]

after i served my time in the army and lost a few battle buddies of mine, i gained a massive amount of weight and used food as a coping mechanism for nearly 10 years. i've been going on several months now and have lost nearly 30 lbsby eating healthier meals, lifting weights, and learning various methods to help with the stresses the military failed to help prepare me for. much love and respect to russell brand and anyone else who is struggling with whatever addiction you are going through.

[@grumpygrannysgoatsngardens3185]

OA is an amazing program.

[@celesteburley4035]

Please search for Overeaters Anonymous in your area. Don't try to do it alone. There is fellowship, a common spiritual purpose, and a way out awaiting you in OA.

[@LoveWins1960]

Thank you for this. I have been relapsing the past few years following being clean and sober for 12 years. I had 8 months relapsed for 2 months then had 6 months and relapsed for 1 week. Now I'm on day 23.

[@sandyb3181]

I love your breakdown of the Steps. I began my journey into Recovery December 7, 1986, have not had a drink since, but got prescribed pain medication at 13 years clean and sober and it took me 8 years of going in and out to finally hit bottom. I died during one of my relapses so I understand the frustration and sadness Paul is feeling. I’ve felt it. I just kept coming back. It finally stuck. I started practicing prayer and meditation a little over a year ago, after having worked all of my Steps thoroughly with my Sponsor, with a group every day. It has changed my life, brought me closer to my Higher Power and has helped make me more other centered. I’m just beginning on my meditation journey, although I meditated the first 10 years of my first go of Sobriety. This time feels different. I do my best to remain teachable, to serve God and God’s kids, and stay clean and sober one day at a time. My suggestion to Paul would be Keep Coming Back, don’t leave before the miracle happens and stay in the middle of the herd. Get as involved as you can with a 12 Step Group on a daily basis, if possible, be of service, ie: be a greeter at a meeting, get a Sponsor who will take you through the Steps and don’t lose Hope. We will love you until you can love yourself.

[@paulmacmahon7777]

Thank you Russell for talking with me so openly at this event. I am proud to say that as of this Wednesday I will be ten weeks without a drink. I have started to go to the gym, and I am further through my steps work. I am finding the steps to be a worthy mission, one that I can believe in and use as an antidote to the desire for annihilation. You've been such a great part of my continuing progression. I wanted to send love and thanks. And to everyone who sent love through these comments, thank you as well! It means a lot, and there is a great community here - lots of whom I met last Sunday! Much love to all xxx

[@Docchucklilchuck]

I have been a member of a specific 12 step group for a long time. Ever since the pandemic, the number of people in the rooms has dwindled by half and I am finding that more and more people have gone back out and every laughs. This is a problem that is occurring all throughout the country. I live in Louisville Kentucky which has the second highest rate of fentanyl overdoses in the country…

[@Cajunish]

I was thinking that about your city and reach out to those ppl!! Bring them back if u can.!

[@kevindoll9710]

Wow, thanks. This is a whole new channel that you could start. A specific 12 step program. Imagine the lives you could change.

[@Cajunish]

@@kevindoll9710 definitely! The lord reaches out on here to if your have the want and ear to hear and the vision to wrap your brain around the truth!

[@juliannerichards4549]

It’s happening all across the country. nyc is heartbreaking.

[@Citizens4DefenseLLC]

Humanity needs a 12 Step Program!

[@daniellegreen1593]

So I’m in recovery too and I work a 12 step program as well. My DOC was meth. I’ve used drugs or alcohol since I was 14. I managed to walke away from both for months sometimes years at a time. In 2002 I was kicked out of my home state of Washington to Oregon because I’d gotten in trouble there and they were transporting me every other month starting in 2000. In 2002 I joined a 12 step recovery group here and stuck with it for a little over a year then stopped. I managed to stay clean for 9 1/2 yrs however I hadn’t done any work on myself so I was very much still a toxic person and my poor children had to put up with that. When I relapsed my children were teenagers and were removed from my home. I stayed out for a year and a half and I struggled so very hard to get clean again. I eventually did july 20 2012. I went to treatment and rejoined my 12 step community and this coming up July 20th I’ll have 10yrs 😎 I’m grateful every single day for my 12 step family. Recovery has definitely been the best thing I’ve ever done. I’m still struggling with a relationship with my son but I don’t have to use or drink over it today. Thank you for sharing your journey. This is mine

[@johanasifuentes8673]

I am at day 7 again after having 7 years. Was out for the last year and a half or so. I am working with a sponsor and getting honest and willing. It’s been so hard coming back. I am really glad you’re out here sharing the message. I appreciate it.

[@grumpygrannysgoatsngardens3185]

Welcome home, Johana

[@allisonleighandrews8495]

7 days, wow! please be proud of your 7 years, that is incredible. everything you learned in that time is still there. anyway 7 days off substances, I hope you're starting to feel better! celebrate every 7 hours, every 7 seconds of having the courage to face this scary world head on. thanks so much for sharing and being vulnerable. the more people talk about it, the less shame there is around it. I'm sure after getting sober and staying sober for 7 years, it's way easier to deal with cravings for the substance than it is to deal with your sense of self worth and safety in the world. anyway just know that by plugging back in you are in the top tier of brave humans, and for that you really really deserve a happy life. seriously, I hope you are feeling lucid and awesome. thanks so so so much for sharing please know that you probably helped many people just in speaking your truth :)

[@michellemccrea4]

Russell, I'm an empath having harsh days..

[@callyg7696]

Oh my first time on this channel. Great to be here ☺️

[@jasonchapman3065]

Currently dealing with a wife with addiction issues, and with three children under 12 it’s hard. It’s also hard to not be hard on them when they relapse and cause chaos but with moments of clarity in between. I hope one day she’ll make her way through it.

[@susanmercurio1060]

Find a men's Al-Anon group.

[@grumpygrannysgoatsngardens3185]

Al-Anon, son

[@tbbart6463]

Susan is correct. This is a family disease. You will be helping your children and you will be taking care of you their father who is the more saner one right now and inadvertently be putting love into action for your entire family. But it does take courage and humility.... But if you have none of that as is my experience perhaps you may wait until your life is a bottomless pit of hell and insanity making you finally willing to do anything differently just to make the monotonous boredom of misery and pain stop for one hour. That's how I like to try new things. Lol. The disease of alcoholism is like a spider web. It touches so many people in the addicts life. BUT so is recovery and when one seeks it, healing also spreads through the tribe in powerful waves. Good luck.

[@jshoe1986]

Your doing a good job mate 👍 support is what she needs even when times you want to give up, my heart goes out to you and family

[@HomemakerDaze]

I relapsed months ago but I learnt I just can't hang out with ppl fr the past. An NA sponsor is my life saver.

[@ravishing4533]

After 15 years sober with at least two to three meetings a week I went back after about 3 years I'm just now getting sober again.... This time has been incredibly difficult yikes ❤️

[@grumpygrannysgoatsngardens3185]

Sneaking in some prayers for you tonight, Chris. Something that worked for me when I felt a strong jones coming on-- i got down on my knees and asked God to relieve me of the compulsion. Magic.

[@raytebeck4842]

The shame isn’t in relapse. It’s in not coming back. We don’t shoot our wounded.

[@smoupnhoize]

I really think you have probably helped me more than my last 9 therapists combined. Not putting you on a pedestal, but you don't just recite things from a book you read in school, you've LIVED it and you can communicate it so well. I don't suffer from a drug or alcohol addiction, though have known people who have/do. I suffer from self injury and anorexia, usually one or the other, not both at the same time. I "know" why, been in therapy, blah blah blah. But like Paul, it keeps returning, the self injury at least. I'm babbling, but I wanted to say that your comment about not giving up the addiction/negativing behavior, but give up the person who's addicted. I'll have to meditate on that but I found that to be very powerful. I wanted to say thank you. Thank you.

[@reneeb8347]

Thank you for being a positive role model. As always, progress not perfection.

[@rerialicemontgomery8977]

I'm a part of this journey 💖 listening.

[@allisonleighandrews8495]

For me relapse is an important part of recovery. It has to be factored in as a probability. We never want to relapse but when we relapse and then get back into recovery we always learned something we didn't know before. And that should be celebrated. I wish the 12 step and recovery community would stop quantifying recovery by days or years sober and chips. It means that by not relapsing you're doing better or worse in recovery, and that's NOT true. When not relapsing is a badge of honor, often relapse makes people feel ashamed and worse than before, and it actually deters them from returning to a lifestyle and program of recovery, sobriety, abstinence, what have you. I realize that I am only lucky that my relapses led to growth and nothing terrible happened. I realize that really terrible things can happen in one relapse. But I have learned from every one, I needed to go through every one, because I needed to learn something new in order to want a life of sobriety and recovery even more. I love a sober life, I love the recovery community. I just wish we wouldn't quantify or time or compare. I think it really does a disservice. The spiritual aspect of the program that saves lives (I will say God) does not use arbitrary metrics. It is the beauty of grace and recovery, that it is beyond the realms of where our minds can understand. Sending much love to all those struggling with substances, attachments of all sorts, and people trying to find meaning and spiritual fulfillment. Happy to know we are never alone.

[@TheSimpleMan454]

Russell, what are your thoughts on changing your relationship to substances? Me, I have a dissociative disorder, among other issues, and for years I was a marrow deep alcoholic and heroin addict. I don't shoot up anymore. Left that behind, and am better for it. But the thing is, I was having a chat with my specialist at the end of last year, and we got to talking about drinks. I had a great deal of things to say, experiences and stories, positive and negative, and I talked about my favorite drinks, and the occasions I would go for them. He told me what he thought happened with regard to my drinking, that I had already made up my mind that those experiences required the drinks. He said something that stuck out. "The drink isn't a fixture Jack. The drink is a guest. You choose whether to welcome it or not. You decide when it leaves." I look at it that way, and I can have a glass of wine at a dinner party, and I can interact and have a good time, maybe have one more, then move on. Is that something you've seen in your own life, be it drugs or alcohol or maybe other things? Can we apply Doc's "guest" framework to other things, you think?

[@grumpygrannysgoatsngardens3185]

Alcoholism and having a drink are two different things. Alcoholism you would treat differently.

[@deanshuttleworth8245]

I just love you, Russell

[@JubiDC]

Mr. Brand: 1. Thank you so much for everything you do; for consistently showing up and carrying the message with Love, compassion and humor. 2. Your précis of the 12 Steps is soft, PC, and deeply compromised, IMO. The recognition of one's powerlessness over the disease, the acceptance of a higher or transcendent power that can, and will help; and the willingness to submit to receiving the help; constitute the cornerstone of the program and the reason for its success. I know that you typically shy away from the word, "God". However, it is vital for the addict to realize that he did not create himself, he is not alone, his Creator is fully available to him, and will help him if invited to do so. I feel it would be infinitely more helpful to allow the program to say what it says, and then use your experience to amplify or explain challenging words or ideas. But that's just what I think... 😀💖

[@grumpygrannysgoatsngardens3185]

I hear you, and thank you. People gonna do what people gonna do, but please do not fuk with my program. As a retired psychologist I understand the pull to peek in that direction, yet Spirit is infinitely beyond Psyche. Infinitely.

[@joshuacope7486]

This was very powerful and I’m beyond grateful for this - thank you

[@neiljowen]

I was at this gig in Bristol, it was brilliant, Russell! Much respect to the guy who stood up, was heartfelt and brave. You answered him beautifully too x

[@lonee7886]

Splendid. Thank you! Feeling like we are on a hamster wheel call also create the feeling of giving up. We have to slow down.

[@MissPraesepe]

I can see myself in this and I can see my brother. I feel like addiction has deeply effected my whole family in some way. Thank you for speaking about these things and helping others.

[@williammichaelforbes]

Hey Brother...I see you. TOTKO. takes one to no one. Much love for your expression of the same oneness.

[@HeidiBubbles83]

Wow.. just wow.. Thankyou RB!!! 🙏💜

[@howdy000]

Never quit trying to quit 🙏🙌

[@joshy0369]

Awesomeness

[@angelabish20]

Many says I am not recovered because I have used methadone. I have not use heroin in over 15 years. Every day I learn .. I have gone from living on the streets to owning 2 homes and getting a degree in public health and dental hygiene and not only raised a family but finally raised myself.

[@bridgetkorns8174]

I wish the millions of followers you had on the other channel were on here...thank you Russel. 💜

[@lifesmirage1343]

Thank you

[@pinecone1321]

Getting my 5 yes 5 year chip in June. Life is so much brighter than when dealing with the slow hardening of My brain lining and organs. Cheers to Life!! edit: I had a planned relapse at 13 months. I gave up keys and had a horrible night. The Jameson tasted horrible and the night dragged on. But I keep My original sober date cause only I know why.

[@amybahner4534]

I love You Russell and have worn Coco Chanel Mademoiselle perfume since 2005!!! Love the sweat shirt!!!!!! You are a true treasure in life now concerning the TRUTH! Keep up the great work!!

[@IIXxx_juliet_xxXII]

The problem with the 12 step programs is the constant judgment from people who are scrutinizing others but can’t see how much they’re projecting. I stopped going to those cult like meetings because the problem was my ego dealing with a lot of other egos and I got nowhere. I was ostracized from a an AA meeting because these sober addicts accused me of not being sober because I was taking a prescribed medication. The 12 steps were formed from the teachings of the Good Samaritans; I suggest reading that literature first. I suggest talking to a trusted friend in lieu of a bunch of strangers. I remember another man at this particular meeting who could not get sober and would come into meetings loaded even though he never seemed drunk to me: he was a journalist in Syria- he saw horrors most would not even fathom possible- and he was made to feel shamed by these so-called people who care. Lol… my suggestion is: Don’t move on to step two unless you’re willing to deal with a lot of ugly truths, about yourself and others. Your basically sitting in an echo chamber of rhetorics- not rehabilitation. Mindful meditation is wonderful- train your brain to heal. If you can make yourself sick, surely you can heal yourself. And if you slip up- don’t make a big deal about it. After all, we’re only human. ✌️ Edit: I have a beer once in a blue moon. I have no shame nor blame. Roll that fear out. Take what you need and leave the rest. And a lot of it should be left to rest.

[@susanmercurio1060]

In Al-Anon I was told, "Find a group that works the way you want. Don't settle for the first group you find. If they don't work for you, keep looking."

[@indiegogogirl2662]

My husband refuses to do AA. I thought it was an excuse but he has said to me, almost word for word, the same thing you said above.

[@lisilucyinski9455]

Yep. Each to his own

[@candislubbe3249]

I used to go to Nar-Anon. it's helped me a lot with my life but didn't need to keep going. The addict could not go to NA at all but got clean. We definitely have different needs but there is no escaping getting real with yourself. I can't drink alcohol or a smoke anymore because of how much I have elevated, although I was never the "addict". feel like I have been in the grey area, was never the problem but I have healed by being involved in this journey. I appreciate the whole journey with or without 12 steps but recovery in general is for all of us.

[@jameshammond2738]

A small child falls many times as it is trying to walk. It starts over, again and again and again. And even when it learns to walk. It may fall. But over time. It will eventually learn how 'not to fall'. I went through this process too. And it has been many years since I have fallen.

[@mostlymilt]

“Thy Will Not Mine Be Done.” Love You my brotha. 🖤🙏🏿🙏🏿🙏🏿💯

[@paullewandowski3643]

I feel so grateful that he was able to admit he was powerless in his 30’s I lived in pain and denial until I was 49.

[@lawrencereid3457]

Identify is fluid, not rigid. Nice🙏 I feel blessed that I know what you're talking about. We already have everything we need. People just need to be taught how to implement instead of taking the easy default to.. the answer is out there but I'm not good enough to figure it out, maybe one day, then I'll be happy and have peace of mind. What a crock that is. Learnt that the extra extra hard way. The mind and its connection is so much more powerful than any external force or substance. We are just still noobs.

[@lunathedog6489]

As someone who bought a pack of cigarettes after 7 months clean, then promptly had a breakdown over it, this really came at the perfect time lol

[@veritasproject]

I'm feeling this so much right now, I tried so hard and got so far but in the end the msm really matters, their behavior affects everyone else. Your are my awakening and you have helped me so much. Forever grateful for you , much love 🥰

[@shaylasomerville4733]

I love you Russell! Thank you for all you do

[@natureisallpowerful]

I'll never give up.ill always be willing to do the right thing. I tried perfection and failed but now it's progress instead

[@Crustapher]

I'm three years in recovery and this was beautiful. To be a new person and not the shit bag I was is powerful

[@wendybovey3163]

It is so hard there is so much hate out there from yourself doing it or others. You have to process as to why you are trying to push down your feelings that you are not good enough, or trying to hide your hurt and other things. I wasn't an addict but was in a family where my dad was an alcoholic and ended up committing suicide and I was 11 then. I blamed myself as what I chould of I done to save him. I ended up going to Alanon and doing the 12 step program for myself and forgiving him. We all get effected one way or another by someone we care about whether drinking, drugs or other deviated ways. We need to be there for others but also ourselves

[@Julieann1437]

Your Great I love your doing this

[@susanmercurio1060]

I finally got a notification! And I dodged the bullet of addiction and I'm very grateful. I sincerely sympathize with those who are suffering from one. I realize how hard it must be to recover. I was very involved in Al-Anon, so I read the AA literature. I read an article in the Grapevine newsletter about someone relapsing. He kept getting 12-stepped and finally, most of the guys got disgusted and said that he was just playing. One guy came out to 12-step him for the 13th time, and the writer said that he was the person who needed to get 12-stepped 13 times and that was the one that worked. Also, I read in Psychology Today that the author did an unofficial survey of all kinds of people who were addicted to various things: eating, cigarettes, alcohol, whatever, and he found that most people didn't recover the first time they tried. It took several tries. The moral of the story was: keep trying. One time, you will quit one last time an never have another relapse. Then you will be free.

[@saintcruzin]

I’ve passed this to a friend struggling with addiction although not drugs. We are a part of Source Within wearing a temporary overcoat (body)...Your transformation is nothing shy of pure love, Source brightly shining..Much Respect...

[@mariawilson9838]

I cried watching, for many life is not easy myself included, we are all in row boats in a large ocean, trying to row home. At least we are not alone in a sense. Love from my heart to yours Russell

[@ivafern3196]

Hello, Russell I am very pleased to get to know you better, through your online "awakings" , thanks for your conversations and good willingness on sharing your life experiences. 💕 I enjoy to listen your opnions, and read the comments of others,as well. I guess, when we are interested in listen great words and then talk Sincerely, we learned a bit more.🙂 Best wishes 💐

[@arthurpenfield8229]

I smoke like a chimney, drink like a fish, swear like a sailor. Depression and anxiety doesn't help especially during the hot summer months in Arizona. Drugs here are more rampant because the border of Mexico is only 5 hours away from here.

[@cmgordon12345]

Don't fall into the trap of feeling like your location is the problem. It never is

[@lisilucyinski9455]

I hear you 😘

[@Butter-um3ic]

🕉

[@jeanmariedenning62]

Truth is beautiful! Thank you, Russell!

[@tombowker7541]

Relapsing is very painful, it always has been for me. However, as I have been walking this path, I have learned the power of forgiveness, and especially forgiveness of one’s self. My journey has taught me that this process is a daily one that I must take one day at a time. Most importantly finding that peace with the eternal power, in my case Christ, that can take me by the hand and show me that I am valued and loved. Reminding myself that I am worthy, that my efforts do impact others in a positive way and that my life is worth saving. I hope and want for those who are struggling to know you are so important and we need you.

[@nosajsnevig1]

Was present for this conversation in Bristol and just want to say thank you Russell, it’s refreshing to see someone using their platform to promote spiritual values in a culture that is so severely lacking in them. We are all in recovery in some way or other. God bless you mate ❤️

[@christineloucks4713]

That was beautifully worded! Thank you Russell for your supportive words and your own proven testimony of beating addictions. Your knowledge and first hand experience is so important to be heard. You put a whole new spin on addiction and that helps me understand myself and why I do what I do. Most importantly, thank you Paul, for having the courage to voice your testimony. I completely understand where you’re at as I’m struggling with similar addictive behaviors. As Russell said, it is ALL within us. It’s time to let go of our mental programming, heal our wounds and move on to who we truly are and can be as a human being!

[@copelandbeckles6679]

Thanks again Russell..for keeping it real!!! God bless you richly

[@rebeccabowdentarot1584]

Given up on numbers. I am clean and sober today so that's another success! The problem is people don't get that they are not helping by offering pain meds when my back hurts or saying one drink won't hurt,in social settings. So this year I have become a hermit and it's working 💪

[@gymdian]

It just takes one small change in lifestyle to create a domino effect on the rest of your life. That change is often not easy. A lot of people aren't willing to make that small change. If it was easy everyone would do it. They go through and waste their life without ever finding out what they're truly capable of. So anyone who's here because they have the mindset to become better, even by 1%, you're a champion.

[@johndukes3079]

I used to hate 12 step programs and never got help through any meeting I ever attended. If anything they made want to use - especially just to get through a meeting. But over the course of my recovery I found that I began incorporating the 12-step process into my life. I haven’t been to a meeting in a decade or more but I’m still in recovery, I’m still sober. I can’t quote the steps but somehow during my journey I started living them anyway. I don’t understand it. But I’m very glad I’m sober.

[@claudinejames7731]

I did so much bad stuff in my mostly drinking plus some drugs years, all that every day drinking for years, I hurt people and wasted myself, ruunedmy own life, I'm fortunate I know this, and that I could see it cold sober finally. Sobriety is truly one day at a time. When I go to bed at night and stayed sober that day, it's been a good day. I thank God for it. It's been a long time since I took a drug or a drink but everyday is a whole lot of learning and experiencing a new way of living more and more on the spiritual level of existance. It can happen to anybody. Pray for a guy named Richard please, I heard he needs help. Free2B ✨🌸🙏🏻🌸✨

[@jessegreywolf]

the struggle to stay clean still goes on for me even 30+ years on. The times we live in don't help that. Thank for the reminder. I am not an object i am an EVENT

[@claireharris2236]

I was at this event and was so moved that the guy was able to bare his soul and that his words were truly heard. The support you gave him, through your explanation of the 12 steps, made me think of Maslow's hierarchy of needs and when someone is actively living with addiction, by it taking precedence over everything else, moving up the hierarchical chart of holistic development is impossible. Sending love and respect to Paul.🙏

[@mizzmia4407]

Relapsed again. Thank you for this. ✌️💞

[@kaywinter6140]

Hello Russell from Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada. I hope that Paul continues to reach out to you and works through his addiction. I notice that you often say “ you are not your thoughts” I have always lived by “ you are your thoughts” meaning if you think negatively, you will continue to see things negatively… can you elaborate more on what you mean when you say “ you are not your thoughts? Thank you

[@grumpygrannysgoatsngardens3185]

Yeah I'm not Russ but 37 yrs on the spiritual path The spiritual dimension lives beyond the mental plane, therefore God is infinitely bigger than those negative thoughts. I don't need to identify with my Big Ideas anymore. Or "my" anything Many teachers can lead you there-- Eckhart Tolle, Mooji, Ram Dass etc. I found I had to work the steps first, to clear away the wreckage and find the open doors

[@kevinkelleher8708]

Thank you for your service. That was "Keepin' it Green" for me today! God Bless

[@8jragonmauriora884]

Positivise: Transform characteristic of something into positivity of expectations.

[@Summerkirsom]

so good to know there are talks like this. My addiction is in negative thinking which is really hard to stop

[@kerry93]

Love you Russel you help me on my road to recovery everyday 💞

[@jenteale]

Me too....and we share the same sobriety date 13th December. Thank You xx

[@sangformajorna]

I've started do a long mantra every evening together with other people at a distance as a spiritual practice. Nice to use ones voice and I've learned from the movie awake, that we heal with vibrations. Thanks for being an inspiration dear Russell.

[@Azozeo]

Words of Wisdom

[@StaceySoCrazy]

I am a 12-Stepper who has been in recovery for 16 1/2 years. I love your interpretation of the steps. I feel like you nailed it for me. I have undergone a total paradigm shift regarding my higher power over the last 12 months. I no longer identify as a christain and have struggled with how to live the steps. The wording you used is almost perfect. I would change the word 'God' to 'Spirit' or 'Creator' or 'Universe'. Otherwise, spot on!

[@maddym4301]

Absolutely brilliant show in Blackpool Love your wonderful passion Thank you so much xx

[@dragondreamjln]

Thank you it's all within

[@ginbrunson7692]

Thank you 😊

[@TaylorNicoleLyda]

Damn. I don’t personally struggle with addiction, though I have had many friends and family in my life who have (as I’m sure all of us can relate to.) This is speaks to a part of us who struggle even with negative thoughts and internalized abuse rather than substance abuse, which I suppose could also be categorized under a form of addiction. Thank you for your relatable, safe, wise words.

[@jaycolins2430]

Hey RB, thanks for sharing. I've been following your journey through politics and spirituality since "The Interview", and many of your messages have helped me along on mine(Revolution is a great book, for those who haven't read it). My name is Jason, and I'm an addict. My use of external things to cope with internal issues started very young, with TV and sugar and incorporated cigarettes in my early teens. Drugs and alcohol entered the mix in full force in my late teens, starting with what would be my DOC, and then my nemesis for 20 years - weed. Alcohol was also a part of the journey(even tried to use it to get off the weed once), but I never felt the same connection to it. I would get blitzed with the best of them at the club and parties, but it never morphed into solo abuse the way MJ did. I also eventually got into harder drugs in my 20s, dabbling in coke and heroin(and psychedelics) eventually "discovering" ecstacy. If MJ was my wifey, then MD was my mistress. I had a 10+ year on-again/off-again affair with that, which also ballooned into isolating abuse, but am happy to say I managed to finally move on before it killed me. But weed was/is another beast. I'm about a week away from two months without it, after going out on my umpteenth relapse. I legitimately don't know how many times I've relapsed, but I realized weed was a problem for me when I was 24/25, and have been trying to stop since with varying amounts of sober time. I vacillated between "not being able to enjoy it when I was trying to quit and not being able to quit when I enjoyed it", and at times had to just quit trying to quit to save myself from the debilitating depression I would go through every time I slipped up. The fact that weed was/is so easily accessible here, combined with the fact that is was supposedly not addictive to create this schism in my mind that broke my psyche and it's taken a long time to repair it. I know now that it is absolutely addictive, especially with the levels of THC in the stuff that I eventually started doing. Evey time I've stopped, I've done it on my own. I've been going to Zoom meetings for a 12-step fellowship this time, but haven't started the steps yet. I struggle with asking for help, and although listening in the rooms has been helpful, speaking there makes me very anxious... I'm much more of a writer(clearly). I don't really know where this is going so I'll end it here. Just wanted to share my story and say thanks to you, and the commenters. I read so many great messages here, that's part of what inspired me to write one - i hope it's not too long. ✌🏾🖖🏾

[@Nuan07]

I had a difficult time wrestling with this idea/ insight. I saw you at Bristol with two friends and the notion of not being an object but more an event occupied me completely for about 3 days. it shaped my dreams as I tried to battle my way through to understanding what it was about that idea that weighed on me. Thank you Russell, it was a great show.

[@scone9961]

The way Russell’s legs are crossed is hurting my hips just looking at him

[@GVvoltaire]

I support you only on this channel. So, I am straight and honest about people. Thank you for this channel.

[@becca4998]

Thank you so much🤗 you are awesome😎so beautifully said💕 seeking the Oneness with the Creator of the Universe, a personal relationship with the Most High, Creator of All gives me my true purpose🌈 stay free and unified💫

[@karmansmith8800]

❤

[@saintcruzin]

You need a support system and a change of environment...🙏💕 27 years clean and sober

[@seansimms2791]

I'm finally looking to the right places to recover.. Im a 36 year old man that is addicted to opiates, meth, benzos, and alcohol.. I substitute one for the other when near death or have for the last 20 years.. I'm finally using meditation and trying to rewire my brain. I have given up the victim mentality that has kept me down so long .

[@rodbrown1185]

Great key words here Russell, thank you. "You don't give up drugs and alcohol, you give up the 'the person' who is addicted to drugs and alcohol, which is yourself." Those words could be used brilliantly as a Mantra in meditation. "I am giving up the person who is addicted to drugs and alcohol, which is myself." Maybe you could use some visualisations (mindfulness techniques) as well, within the meditation.

[@LIfe4everLove1]

The success rate of the 12 steps is 100 out of 100, for the those who don’t fail at it. That’s the equally grim and auspicious news. It’s a metaphor for Life.

[@deborahhenderson4929]

Oh...and just found this channel. Subscribed and hopeful...thank you for doing this! Xx

[@leono-woods6280]

Beautiful mate, just beautiful. keep on this path, you and yours will form a kind of future to head towards... 💚

[@topdog1848]

Thanks Rusty , I get it though , I need to help me first. I believe it when you say it’s a spiritual component that’s missing. I feel it.

[@bryanzimmerman8646]

I’m headed to rehab soon again. I just need to find someplace that will take me with Medicaid or the VA everyone seems overwhelmed with Covid. So. I’m hanging in there. Godspeed everyone. Love you all

[@justinselvey420]

Hi Russell I'm in recovery from three things heroin crack and methadone I went the hard way and just stopped I was sick for around 4 to 5 weeks constantly it's been 2 years this month of June and I feel I did good myself it was hard but I just done it and pushed through but my real recovery came in November 2021 when I recovered my family after my hard work and I'm so grateful and sorry for the hurt and pain I caused them