Stigma and Silence prevent people from seeking help.

Addiction affects millions across the UK, yet persistent stigma and a culture of silence prevent many individuals from seeking the support they need. During this Addiction Awareness Week, we encourage everyone to engage in conversations about addiction. Open dialogue enables us to challenge stigma with understanding, replace judgement with compassion, and transform silence into meaningful support.

Recent findings from an Ipsos survey commissioned for Addiction Awareness Week reveal that more than half (53%) of UK adults have either personally experienced some form of drug, alcohol, medication, or gambling addiction or dependency, or know someone who has. This highlights the far-reaching effects of addiction on families, workplaces, and communities, and underscores the urgent need for greater awareness and improved access to support.

These statistics have been published as part of the Taking Action on Addiction campaign, launched by HRH The Princess of Wales in 2021. The campaign’s core mission is to encourage national conversations about addiction to combat stigma.

Stigma remains a significant barrier: of those affected by addiction, 35% said they felt uncomfortable discussing it with immediate family members, 30% with friends, 28% with their GP, and 27% with their partner.

However, public attitudes are changing. Eighty-one per cent of UK adults now agree that those experiencing addiction should be treated as individuals in need of support rather than blame. Furthermore, 51 per cent say they would intervene to help someone facing addiction challenges, while 64 per cent would seek external help.

Addiction Awareness Week runs from 23–30 November as part of the wider Taking Action on Addiction campaign. For more information, visit https://takingactiononaddiction.org.uk/

Share your experience!Every journey towards recovery begins with a single pivotal moment—a conversation that can change lives. We invite you to share your story in your own words and inspire others to start their path to recovery. Remember: every conversation can ignite hope.