Actor Josh Brolin opens up in his memoir about a difficult childhood, addiction, and the tough-love lessons that shaped his life. He recalls his mother using wild animals to frighten him and his brother, while his early exposure to drugs and alcohol eventually became part of a much darker period in his life.

Brolin says his struggles continued for years before he reached a turning point. In 2013, arriving drunk at his grandmother’s deathbed forced him to confront the direction his life was taking. That painful moment helped him realize that he needed to make a serious change.

Now sober for more than a decade, Brolin says he has developed a greater appreciation for getting older and living a healthier life. Looking back, he recognizes how much his childhood experiences and battles with addiction influenced the person he became.

He also reflects on the loss of his mother, who died at just 55, and the complicated impact she had on his life. Despite the difficult memories, Brolin appears to view his past as an important part of his journey, using those experiences to better understand himself and appreciate the life he has today.