My Thoughts on Russell Brand’s Recovery (and cutting back on booze!)
About a month ago I decided to take part in Russell Brand’s Recovery Course. It’s a 12 step course, based somewhat on the 12 steps of AA, but re-written in Russell’s unique style!
At first I felt quite overwhelmed, it was a lot to take in during the first few sessions. Each session comes with worksheets, a video and a transcript (if you’d prefer to read the steps). There’s a lot to take in each day, but it’s also important not to rush through them. It’s also important to accept that some steps will take time to complete, and at times it will feel very emotionally draining…
When I started, I wasn’t really sure what I wanted to focus on. Russell suggested cutting back on tech, cutting the booze… There are so many options to focus on during the course. In the end I decided on a break from alcohol. I wasn’t drinking every day, but I knew I often drank during social situations and could do the following:
- Drink and forget getting home
- Drink and be sickly (not often)
- Fee like crap for days
I think it was the idea that I’d suffer for days after that produced a catalyst for me choosing alcohol alongside Russell’s course. I’d wake up after a night out and feel awful. It would literally take a day from me, if not more. Let’s face it, I’m not getting any younger, so feeling like this just felt wrong. I’m not a 20 year old anymore (sob), so I need to start taking proper care of myself, and my body…
With this in mind, I followed the steps. I began to tap into ‘not thinking about me’ and tap into ‘giving’ and ‘purpose’, as well as facing demons and making amends. It’s all been very tense, to say the least…
BUT, what have I gained?
Well, it’s been nearly a month of no booze and I feel I’ve gained more time, more energy and more appetite for food haha! Apparently booze is full of sugar, so I think I’ve been a bit chocolate happy… But I can live with that!
As I said on Instagram, I wasn’t drinking everyday, nor was I waking up in the morning and drinking. I’ve also had months at a time with no booze in the past. So, I’m really not sure. I don’t see it as a crutch in terms of ‘I’m stressed, let’s get a beer’, but more that my weekend drunken antics were covering up some stuff I needed to face.
So, I’ve been facing the demons, and it feels okay. Scary, but okay.
I think the hardest part is people assuming I’m an alcoholic, or that I need AA to get through. I think this post from The Daily Boyle sums up my feelings perfectly!
What about society?
I think there’s a lot to be said for society, and how it normalises drinking to excess. With BOGOF deals and late night licensing, it’s no wonder we all think it’s normal to go out, drink, and stay out till the bar is dry!
Why has this become so normalised?! People ending up in A&E because of booze, or people saying things they regret because they had another beer…
As a society, we’ve normalised this behaviour. And, as I said in my post over on Instagram, people would be concerned if this was regarding smoking or drugs, so why not booze?!
On a serious note, sometimes people’s relationship with alcohol can become unhealthy, and if you are ever experiencing signs of alcoholism, it is a good idea to seek some professional advice.
Will it be forever?
I’m going to see how it goes. I’ve kinda missing going for a burger and a pint with Zoey, but then that’s habit, right?! I haven’t missed the night-time drinking, out in the pubs, and waking with a foggy head. I haven’t missed that at all…
I think I’d quite like to be the person who has one and that’s all. A lot of people I know do this, and it sounds super healthy, but is it achievable? Honestly, I don’t know…
What I do know is, by being a bit of a boring ‘scrabble and tea in bed’ person for the past four weeks, I’ve saved a lot of money, I’ve woken up every morning feeling good, and I’ve had more focus on other people. This idea of being more selfless and having a purpose has definitely stuck with me, and it’s something I’ll never forget…
What’s the plan?
Well, firstly I’m going to be kind to myself. I’m going listen to my body. I’m going to remember that that I’m not an alcoholic, but at the same time, my version of a night out probably isn’t too healthy (for anyone). I’m going to spend more time out of bed, more time away from the alkaseltzer, more time drinking tea, and more time remembering…
Because, this life is so beautiful. It’s full of so many beautiful things (like clouds and laughter, chocolate and vegan cheese – actually, this last one, not so much!). But, I want to see, and I want to remember. I want to feel good, not groggy. I want to live each day in the best possible way, and even a hangover once a week is enough to make me think a life of sobriety could be forever…
Anyway, that’s my brain-fart for today. Hope it’s made some sense, and please let us know your thoughts or experiences in the comments below!
Love you all,
Kelly x
