A potentially lethal concoction of drugs, alcohol and terrible diet saw his life spiral towards a bottom-less pit.
In the gym three years ago, the man originally from Gisborne confronted his demons when he found bodybuilding.
Fast and comfort food have given way to a regimented diet of six meals a day, comprising variables such as oats, fish, vegetables and the odd tablespoon of peanut butter around protein shakes.
"I have no dairy products because they affect metabolism and I have nothing with white flour or sugar."
Helping him exorcise those demons from January this year is Tarren McCall, a nutritionist from Auckland whose disciples include elite sportspeople from swimmers to ballet dancers operating under the umbrella of "Team Champion".
"She's a 15-time bodybuilding champion," he says of the Aucklander.
"Tarren's nutrition allowed me to build over 7 kilos of lean muscle and 4 per cent body fat."
Come Las Vegas, the Super Cheap Auto employee of Hastings intends to be leaner and bigger on stage after dropping a body weight that had ballooned to 122kg pre-bodybuilding.
However, bodybuilding isn't the be-all-and-end-all for someone who arrived in the Bay in 2008.
"I don't do it for the accolades but to show that it's possible because I can do it from my humble background then anyone can."
That "humble background" entails a life of physical and mental abuse from parents who have now separated.
Add to that a financially draining custody battle to successfully "see my own 2-year-old flesh and blood [son]" in a tempestuous relationship have contributed to a steely resolve.
Only two close friends are privy to the gory details of his tumultuous times.
Consequently Brown sees the code as a vehicle ultimately leading to a career path of becoming a motivational speaker.
"It's something to be passionate about and if it's not hurting other people than go for it.
"You don't try to change the world but let people change around you," he says.
