Russell Brand was addicted to Penguin chocolate biscuits

And one of the worst aspects of his problem for Russell is that it is normalised by almost everyone else.

He explained: "The reason it's been difficult for me is that most of the behaviours I found myself indulging in are in their own way lionized; eating Penguin biscuits, not a big deal, watching TV - you're supposed to watch TV, taking drugs - cool!

"If you're from the strand of self-identification I'm in, it's not disgusting and dirty, it's well cool.

"And sleeping with lots of people, making money and getting famous - all these things are endorsed. But for me at least, they're not healthy."

These days, Russell has been sober for over 14 years and he credits the 12-Step program he followed back then for enabling him to settle down with new wife Laura Gallacher and their 10-month-old daughter Mabel.

He told Grazia magazine: "I wouldn't have been able to be a father without having done the program, because I couldn't have been in a relationship that was a suitable environment for a child.

"And the advantage of being a long time clean and the age that I am is I realise how significant and profound having a child is."

And the 'Arthur' star - who was previously married to Katy Perry - couldn't be happier or more grateful for the life he has now.

He said: "I have never been happier in my entire life.

"I mean, I literally get home every day and I just say, 'Thank God'. And do you know why? Because coming home every day feels like freedom."