Comedian and actor Russell Brand says God allowed his battle with addiction and spiritual warfare not as punishment, but as a path back to Him.

In a candid video shared, Brand reflected on how his former addiction was rooted in a deep, unfulfilled spiritual hunger. “Addiction is an attempt to sanctify and make spiritual the material,” he said. “Our thirst for God and our hunger for the holy is so strong that you have to have God.”

Brand explained that people often turn to drugs, sex, or fame when they realize worldly pursuits fall short. “Sex can’t give it to you. Fame can’t give it to you. Money can’t give it to you,” he said. “So in the end, you have to introduce chemicals which can at least alter your state.”

He went on to describe addiction as “the soul’s attempt to make the material feel holy — to fill a God-shaped void with pleasure, fame, or chemicals.”

But Brand said hitting rock bottom was not the end of his story—it was the beginning of his journey back to Christ. “After the fighting ended, I spiraled,” he shared. “The devil attacked me, but God allowed it, because rock bottom wasn’t the end; it was the path back to Him.”

Brand, who made headlines in 2024 after publicly converting to Christianity and being baptized in the River Thames alongside Bear Grylls, has become increasingly vocal about his faith. He often uses his podcast and social media platforms to discuss Scripture and the dangers of pursuing worldly success apart from God.

In recent months, Brand has referenced Bible verses and spoken openly about surrendering control of his life to Christ. “There are times that I’ve told you when I felt far from Christ,” he said in a 2024 Instagram post, quoting Isaiah 43:1: “Do not fear, for I have redeemed you; I have summoned you by name; you are mine,” Brand said that verse was instrumental in drawing him back to God.

But Brand’s spiritual journey comes in the midst of serious legal troubles. British police have charged him with five counts of rape and assault stemming from allegations made by four women during a joint media investigation. Brand has pleaded not guilty and is scheduled to stand trial in June 2026. During a pre-trial appearance earlier this year, he was seen clutching a Puritan prayer book.

Despite the controversy, Brand has remained steadfast in pointing others to Christ.

“Like many desperate people, I need spirituality. I need God, or I cannot cope in this world,” he said during a 2023 interview with Tucker Carlson. “I need to believe in the best in people.”

Brand also acknowledged how easily he fell into the trap of fame and self-destruction. “I didn’t have enough self-discipline to resist the allure of stardom,” he admitted. “I fell face-first into the glitter, and I’m only just pulling myself out now.”

As he continues to face both spiritual and legal battles, Brand says the freedom he has found in surrendering to Christ has given him peace and purpose.

“I’ve found that freedom is not in control, but in surrender,” he shared. “Only through Christ can we truly be free.”