Princess Kate has issued a firm statement declaring that “addiction is not a choice”, calling for the “stigma” around it to end and society to show “compassion and love” to those dependent on drugs, alcohol or gambling.
The Princess of Wales said society’s experience of addiction was “shaped by fear, shame and judgement” and urged people to have open conversations.
She encouraged individuals to bring the issue “out of the shadows,” in a message to mark Addiction Awareness Week.
Kate is patron of the Forward Trust, a charity focused on supporting people recovering from addiction.
The princess said that ‘addiction is not a choice’
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A survey by Ipsos discovered that the majority of adults have experienced or know someone dependent on addiction.
In her message, Kate said: “Addiction is not a choice, or a personal failing, but a complex mental health condition that should be met with empathy and support.
“But still, even now in 2025, people’s experience of addiction is shaped by fear, shame and judgement. 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.
The future Queen said: ‘The stigma surrounding those who face addiction allows it to thrive behind closed doors’
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“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.”
The princess launched the first Addiction Awareness Week in 2021 on behalf of the trust.
Kate continued: “Recovery is hard, but with the right treatment it is possible. And this begins with a conversation, a listening ear and showing we care.
Tony Adams recorded a video to launch a series of films where he highlights the chat with his mother-in-law that started his journey to seeking help
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“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.
“We can reframe this issue with kindness and understanding, and we can help individuals and families coping with addiction know they are not alone.”
Former England football captain Tony Adams, a recovered alcoholic and chairman of trustees at The Forward Trust, recorded a video to launch a series of films where he highlights the conversation with his mother-in-law that started his journey to seeking help.
He said: “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 princess is the patron of the Forward Trust
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PAThe Ipsos survey was announced as part of The Forward Trust’s Taking Action on Addiction campaign.
The poll found 53 per cent of the 2,124 people questioned had a personal experience of addiction or knew someone who did.
Of those who said they had direct experience of addiction, 53 per cent reported they would be uncomfortable speaking about their situation with their employer, 35 per cent with a close family member, 30 per cent with a friend, 28 per cent with their GP and 27 per cent with their partner.
The poll found 81 per cent of those surveyed agreed that those addicted or dependent on alcohol, drugs, medication or gambling should be treated as individuals who are struggling and need help.