Russell Brand celebrates 17 years of sobriety

Russell Brand has shared a sweet congratulations card from his family as he celebrates 17 years of sobriety.

The comedian, 44, battled addictions to drugs and alcohol but has been clean and substance free since December 2002.

Read more: Russell Brand helped Liam Payne kick booze

The star, who is now married with two young children, shared a note from his family on his social media to mark the milestone.

He wrote: “17 years clean and sober today.

“With love and the support of others real change is possible, no matter how dark times may seem.

“Thank you to everyone who lights the path we walk together.”

The card said: “Congratulations. 17 years. You are incredible.”

The word “Daddy” was written at the bottom, along with: “We love you.”

Many of Brand’s celebrity friends posted messages of congratulations, with Keith Lemon saying “well done” and Stacey Dooley adding a heart emoji. Comedian John Bishop wrote on Instagram: “Big respect and love.”

Brand has been open about his struggle with addiction and in 2014 he told US talk show host Oprah Winfrey that his troubles stemmed from childhood.

The star said he had felt “lonely” and “a bit sad”.

He told Winfrey he started to have problems with food and went on to become “infatuated with pornography”, before finding drugs.

The star, who was once married to singer Katy Perry, said he knows that he will be unable to touch drugs or alcohol again because he “can’t manage it”.

Read more: Russell Brand wants to apologise to ex Katy Perry

Brand tied the knot with blogger and former restaurateur Laura Gallacher in 2017.

The couple have two daughters together, with their first born in 2016 and their second arriving last year.