Princess of Wales calls for end to ‘stigma’ around addiction

The Princess of Wales has called for an end to the “stigma” surrounding addictions, saying the experiences of those dependent on drugs, alcohol or gambling are “shaped by fear, shame and judgment”. Catherine, who is a patron of the charity Forward Trust supporting 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 should be met with empathy and support,” she said in a message marking addiction awareness week, which runs to 30 November. “But still, even now in 2025, people’s experience of addiction is shaped by fear, shame and judgment. 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. Related: One in four UK people fear a loved one drinks too much, survey finds “Many of us will know someone who is struggling with an addiction. 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. Recovery is hard, but with the right treatment it is possible. And this begins with a conversation, a listening ear and showing we care. “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.” She continued: “We can reframe this issue with kindness and understanding, and we can help individuals and families coping with addiction know they are not alone.” In an Ipsos survey for the Forward Trust’s Taking Action on Addiction campaign, 53% of 2,124 people questioned said they had personal experience of addiction or knew someone who did. The poll found 81% of people agreed that those addicted or dependent on alcohol, drugs, medication or gambling should be treated as individuals who were struggling and needed help. Related: Britain is on the brink of an opioid crisis. Punishing addicts won’t work | Martha Gill Separately, the princess has announced that her early years centre is providing £100,000 of research funding to find solutions to help parents tackle distractions caused by gadgets that hamper family life. The Royal Foundation Centre for Early Childhood wants researchers to submit proposals to combat the so-called “technoference” that can disrupt parent-child relationships. The study chosen will receive £100,000 in funding and work with families across the UK to understand when and why the issue occurs and test practical ways to reduce its impact, with the findings used to shape resources for professionals such as health visitors and early years educator. • In the UK, Taking Action on Addiction provides links to different support services, and support for problem gambling can be found via the NHS National Problem Gambling Clinic on 020 7381 7722, or GamCare on 0808 8020 133