Actor andcomedian RussellBrand spoke before theBritish Parliament’s Home Affairs Committee today and gave his opinions on whyhe believes drug addicts should be offered treatment instead of being thrown injail.

Russell himselfis a former heroin addict who was arrested "roughly" 12 times before getting clean."It is something I consider to be an illness," he said, "andtherefore more of a health matter than a criminal or judicial matter." Of course, Russell was his eccentric self and showed up to testify in a black tank top, while everyone else was wearing suits!

Watch the video of Russell’s testimony after the jump!