The Princess of Wales calls for an end to the “stigma” around addiction

The Princess of Wales has called for an end to the “stigma” surrounding addiction and urged people to offer “empathy and support” to those dependent on alcohol, drugs or gambling.

Catherine, who sent the message to mark Addiction Awareness Week, said “significant progress” has been made to better understand addiction, but warned that more needs to be done.

The princess is the patron of The Forward Trust, a charity trying to break the cycle of addiction, and is behind the campaign which runs from November 23 to 30.

Catherine, who has also campaigned on mental health issues, draws parallels between the two conditions in her message.

He said addiction was “not a choice or a personal failing, but a complex mental health condition that must be addressed with empathy and support.”

He added: “But still, even now, in 2025, people’s experience of addiction is determined by fear, shame and judgment. This must change.”

“The stigma surrounding those facing addiction allows it to thrive behind closed doors, impacting families and communities and ultimately ruining lives.”

The princess said many people will know someone who is struggling with addiction.

“Now is the time to show our compassion and love to help them, or their friends and family, to seek support from organizations like The Forward Trust,” he said.

“Recovery is difficult, but with the right treatment it is possible. And this starts with a conversation, a listening ear and showing that we care.”

Catherine launched the first Addictions Awareness Week in 2021 on behalf of the trust and its Take Action on Addictions campaign.

He concluded his message by urging people to have open conversations to bring addiction and the harm it causes out of the shadows.

It is not the first time that Catherine has spoken out on the issue of addictions.

In 2022, he lent his personal support to people struggling with addiction, telling them that shame should not stop them from getting help and urging a more compassionate public attitude toward the condition.

Former England and Arsenal captain Tony Adams, who spent 11 years in addiction, also recorded a video to launch a series of films demonstrating the power of open conversations on the road to recovery.

In the film, she reveals that a conversation with her mother-in-law Barbara was the catalyst for her getting help.

Adams, who is now chairman of the Forward Trust board, said: “If you are struggling with addiction or a mental health problem, reach out and get the right help. The best thing I have ever done in my life was say, ‘I can’t do this.'”

The charity provides services including help with employment and tackling the problems of addicts and addictions in prison.

Before the Princess of Wales became a patron of the Forward Trust, she had twice visited the charity’s substance abuse services at HMP Send, a women’s prison in Surrey.

The trust has also called for greater recognition of the scale of gambling within prisons.