Princess of Wales calls for end to ‘stigma’ around addiction | Mental health
The Princess of Wales has called for an end to the “stigma” surrounding addictions, saying the experiences of those addicted to drugs, alcohol or gambling are “shaped by fear, shame and judgment”.
Charity patron Catherine Forward Trust Officials who support recovering addicts said more open conversations were needed to bring the issue “out of the shadows” and for society to show “compassion and love” to those affected.
“Addiction is not a choice or a personal failing, but a complex mental health condition that must be met with empathy and support,” he said in a message for addiction awareness week, which runs through Nov. 30.
“But still, even in 2025, people’s experience of addiction is shaped by fear, shame and judgment. This needs to change. The stigma surrounding those facing addiction causes it to thrive behind closed doors, affecting families and communities, and ultimately devastating lives.
“Many of us will know someone who is struggling with an addiction. Now is the time to show our compassion and love by helping them, their friends and family reach out to organizations like the Forward Trust for support. Recovery is difficult, but possible with the right treatment. And it starts with a conversation, a listening ear and showing that we care.
“So please join the conversation. By talking about this openly, together we can bring addiction and the harm it causes out of the shadows.”
He continued: “We can reframe this issue with kindness and understanding and help individuals and families struggling with addiction know that they are not alone.”
In an Ipsos poll conducted for the Forward Trust’s Taking Action on Addiction campaign, 53% of 2,124 people surveyed said they had a personal experience of addiction or knew someone who had.
The survey found that 81 per cent of people agreed that people addicted or addicted to alcohol, drugs, medication or gambling should be treated as people who are struggling and need help.
Separately, the princess announced that her early years center has secured £100,000 in research funding to find solutions to help parents deal with distractions caused by devices that hinder family life.
Royal Foundation Early Childhood Center asks researchers to offer suggestions for combating so-called “technoference” that can disrupt parent-child relationships.
The selected study will receive £100,000 in funding and will work with families across the UK to understand when and why the problem occurs and test practical ways to reduce its impact, with the findings used to shape resources for professionals such as health visitors and early childhood educators.
