I’ve never been a big Russell Brand fan but am seeing him in a whole new light.

He recently appeared before a parliamentary committee speaking about his own journey through drug addiction stating that where other addicts are concerned society should not “discard people, write them off on methadone and leave them on the sidelines”. He said “love and compassion” and abstinence-based recovery are the key to weaning addicts off drugs.

During a 30-minute speech Brand shared his personal beliefs with the Home Affairs select committee saying drugs should be decriminalized, with addiction treated as a potentially fatal illness instead.

He said: “I’m not a legal expert. I’m saying that, to a drug addict, the legal aspect is irrelevant. If you need to get drugs, you will.

“The criminal and legal status, I think, sends the wrong message. Being arrested isn’t a lesson, it’s just an administrative blip.”

The Get Him to the Greek star spoke about his addiction to heroin which landed him in the slammer a dozen times, was giving evidence to MPs as they reviewed their current laws on citizens possessing controlled substances.

Brand did not want the committee to mistake his point of view by allowing “a free-for-all where everyone goes around taking drugs”. Instead, he said addiction should be treated as an illness and society should recognize it as such. Brand says with proper rehabilitation and therapy addicts can become productive members of society

I couldn’t agree more. Even though his reasons for speaking to the committee were for the changing of current drug laws in the UK and not the US .. I do hope at minimum people will adopt his point of view worldwide in regards to how addicts are perceived socially.

I have a new respect for Brand. Anytime a celebrity puts their name on the line for a controversial, yet much needed cause I applaud them. He is using his celebrity platform to give a voice to allow more awareness about addiction.

When the MPs suggested that as a celebrity he could be a role model for young people, Brand responded: “Who cares about bloody celebrities? Their role is insignificant.” He said he wasn’t trying to get a message across to young people but to people with addiction and wanted to ensure that the response to them was based on “truth and authenticity”.

I hate how most people view addicts as morally flawed individuals and not people that are suffering from a disease. More voices like Brands need to he heard to ultimately start erasing the stigma attached to addiction.

Thank you Mr. Brand. In return, I will try and check out your next shitty movie.