The Princess of Wales has issued a powerful call for society to replace the stigma surrounding addiction with compassion and understanding. Kate made the plea to mark Addiction Awareness Week, which runs from November 23 to November 30, 2025.
A Message of Compassion and Change
In her statement, the Princess, who is patron of the charity The Forward Trust, emphasised that addiction is not a choice or a personal failing, but a complex mental health condition. She stated that society's experience of addiction is still too often "shaped by fear, shame and judgement" and that this needs to change.
"The stigma surrounding those who face addiction allows it to thrive behind closed doors, impacting families and communities, and ultimately ruining lives," Kate said. She urged the public to have open conversations to bring the issue "out of the shadows" and show "compassion and love" to those struggling.
New Survey Reveals Widespread Impact
The call to action is supported by a new Ipsos survey commissioned for the campaign, which reveals the scale of the issue in the UK. The poll, carried out in October, found that a significant 53% of the 2,124 adults questioned had personal experience of addiction or knew someone who did.
However, the survey also highlighted the barriers created by stigma. Of those with direct experience:
- 53% would be uncomfortable speaking to their employer.
- 35% would be uncomfortable speaking to a close family member.
- While 31% agreed that people with addiction have only themselves to blame, a larger 41% disagreed.
Encouragingly, an overwhelming 81% of those surveyed agreed that people addicted to substances or gambling should be treated as individuals who are struggling and need help.
Recovery is Possible with Support
Kate, who launched the first Addiction Awareness Week in 2021, stressed that recovery is hard but possible with the right treatment. "This begins with a conversation, a listening ear and showing we care," she added. "So please join the conversation. By talking about it in the open, together we can bring addiction and the harm it causes out of the shadows."
Her message was echoed by former England and Arsenal football captain Tony Adams, a recovered alcoholic and chairman of trustees at the Forward Trust. In a video launching the campaign, Adams urged: "If you are struggling with an addiction or a mental health issue, then please reach out and get the appropriate help. The greatest thing I ever did was to say, 'I can't do this'."
The campaign, Taking Action on Addiction, continues its mission to get the nation discussing dependency to break down the stigma that often prevents people from seeking vital support.
