Why do we develop addictive behaviors? As an ex-drug and sex addict, comedian and spiritualist Russell Brand knows a lot about the drives behind addiction: It all comes down to a lack of connection. In this Shortcast, Russell shares the wisdom he gained through 14 years of recovery, including how a 12-step program can help you relive suffering, what addiction and meditation have in common, and why we need each other in order to heal.

Shortcasts are 10- to 15-minute versions of longer Commune podcasts created in collaboration with Blinkist. The full-length version of this episode is available here: https://www.onecommune.com/blog/podcast-healing-collective-addictions-russell-brand

This podcast is supported by BetterHelp. COMMUNE listeners get 15% off their first month at BetterHelp.com/Commune.