‘I was a proper smackhead’: Russell Brand marks 16 years of sobriety

Russell Brand has declared himself 16 years sober in an emotional video in which he calls his old self "a proper smackhead".

The British comedian and activist used the opportunity to thank his friends and family and encourage others living with drug and alcohol issues to seek help.

Russell Brand in a scene from The Emperor’s New Clothes.

The Forgetting Sarah Marshall star, who divorced singer Katy Perry in 2012 after two years of marriage, then had a message for anyone who might be going through what he experienced almost two decades ago.

"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 said.

"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.

"Some of it deeply practical… just asking help from other people that are further down the path than you. I was a proper smackhead, crackhead. Look at me now. No smack, no crack. Still problems, still crazy … But I have freedom now. And you can have freedom too."

Fans rallied behind the celebrity in the hours after he opened up about the anniversary of his sobriety, with many sharing their own struggles with drug and alcohol.

"Well done," one person wrote on Twitter. "Eight months and 20 days here. Thanks for being a light further down this path."

Others said Brand's story gave them hope for friends and family.

"Thanks for making me laugh all these years," one fan wrote on Instagram. "I have a friend who has struggled and your openness is a blessing. Wish more people could be as raw and honest as you. Only way to heal."

Brand is now married to entrepreneur and former high-end restaurant worker Laura Gallacher. The couple has two children.

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