The Princess of Wales has warned the shame of addiction is stopping many people getting help – and told sufferers “recovery is possible”.
Kate, patron of addiction recovery charity The Forward Trust, said addiction is “a serious health condition” and “not a choice”.
Her message of support for the Taking Action on Addiction campaign comes on the first day of Addiction Awareness Week.
She said: “Addiction is a serious mental health condition that can happen to anyone, no matter what age, gender, race or nationality.
“Attitudes to addiction are changing. But we are not there yet, and we need to be. Still the shame of addiction is stopping people and families asking for help and people are still tragically losing their lives.
“And so today, during Addiction Awareness Week, I want to share a message of support to those who are continuing to suffer.
“Please know that addiction is not a choice. No one chooses to become an addict.
“The charities leading the Taking Action on Addiction Campaign, along with others, are working across the country delivering life changing work to help people recover and move forward.
“They are here for you. So please ask for help. I know this was not a choice. Recovery is possible.”
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Led by The Forward Trust alongside a number of charity partners, the Taking Action on Addiction campaign aims to reframe existing perceptions of addiction, build awareness of the causes and nature of addiction, improve understanding, reduce prejudice and enable more people to get help.
Mike Trace, chief executive of The Forward Trust, said: “At a time when addiction is growing across the UK it is crucial, we build awareness of its causes and act quickly to stop this tide, to get in early to reduce the impact on families and children, and make sure that people are able to access the support and treatment that we know makes recovery from addiction possible.”