Russell Brand marks 16 years of sobriety. Russell Brand has celebrated 16 years of sobriety this week with an emotional video.

The actor and comedian announced the milestone on his Twitter on Thursday and was visibly emotional as he discussed his journey, admitting he was ‘eggshell fragile’ before he got sober.

He says: ” “I remember being eggshell fragile, this time sixteen years ago. December 12th, the day before, 2002… Jesus.

“I’d scored two brown – that’s heroin, two white – that’s crack. It may be a little more, I can’t remember. Just tryna, need to big up my last use, but anyway I remember using it in Camden.

“I would have been hanging out with my various mates’ houses, none of whom were drug addicts, I was just sort of sneaking off to do drugs in their toilets.”

The actor credits the people he met in rehab and support groups for helping him tackle his addiction.

He says: “I had the privilege of going to a 12-step treatment centre, getting three months there, the hugs man, the hugs, the optimism. ”

“And then coming out and finding other people, support groups where people would sort me out.”

“Other, meeting mentors to hold my hand along the way lights further down the path to look at and guide me.”

He also revealed how his wife, Laura Gallacher, and their two daughters have transformed his life.

“And now, 16 years, two daughters, married, dogs, peace of mind, not enslaved by the opinion of others, not enslaved by “Aw, if I could get more money, if I could get more fame, if I could get more sex”.

“All the things that get me off drink and drugs can be worked in every area of life and those of you that are struggling with drink, drugs, food, sex, porn, bad relationships. Other people’s opinions, all of these things you can be liberated from.”

He also reassured those out there struggling with addiction, saying: “First, you have to admit it’s a problem. Then you have to believe it’s possible to change. Then you have to ask for and accept help.”

“Some of that can be metaphysical, help from perfect consciousness within you and without you. And some of it, deeply practical, just asking help from other people that are further down the path than you.”

He added: ‘I was a proper smack-head, crack-head, and look at me now! No smack, no crack, still problems, still crazy, I mean look at that (pointing to his hair), that should have been tended to before the video went up.”

“But I have freedom now and you can have freedom too. We can change ourselves, we can change everything.”

“Thanks for everyone, I’m extremely grateful for everybody who has helped me on this journey. All of you, thank you.”