The Princess of Wales has issued a powerful plea for society to end the stigma surrounding addiction, calling for people to show 'compassion and love' instead of judgement.
A Call for Change
In a heartfelt message to mark Addiction Awareness Week, which runs from 23rd to 30th November 2025, Kate emphasised that addiction is not a choice but a complex mental health condition. She stated it is time to stop the 'fear, shame and judgement' that shapes the experience of those struggling with drug, alcohol, and gambling addictions.
The princess argued that the stigma allows addiction to 'thrive behind closed doors', devastating families, communities, and ultimately ruining lives. She highlighted that many people in the UK will know someone facing this challenge.
Breaking the Silence with The Forward Trust
As patron of The Forward Trust, the Princess is supporting the charity's week-long campaign. The organisation has released a new Ipsos survey, conducted in October, which reveals the widespread nature of the issue.
The poll of 2,124 people found that 53% of respondents had either personal experience with addiction or knew someone who did. Despite this prevalence, the survey uncovered a deep reluctance to talk about it:
- 53% would be uncomfortable speaking with their employer.
- 35% would be uncomfortable discussing it with a close family member.
- 30% would hesitate to talk to a friend.
Kate, who launched the trust's first Addiction Awareness Week in 2021, stressed that recovery, while difficult, is possible with the right treatment. 'This begins with a conversation, a listening ear and showing we care,' she said.
Voices of Recovery and Solidarity
Echoing the Princess's message, Tony Adams, the former England and Arsenal football captain, shared his own journey. Now chairman of trustees at The Forward Trust, Adams credited a conversation with his mother-in-law for starting him on the road to recovery from alcoholism.
'The greatest thing I ever did was to say, 'I can't do this',' Adams revealed, underscoring the power of admitting the need for help.
The Princess of Wales concluded with a rallying cry for public support. 'Now is the moment to show our compassion and love to help them, or their friends and family, to reach out to organisations like The Forward Trust for support,' she urged.
She called on everyone to join the conversation, asserting that by talking openly, society can bring addiction 'out of the shadows' and help individuals and families know they are not alone.
