THE Princess of Wales has called for society to show “compassion and love” to drug addicts and alcoholics.
She described addiction as “a complex health condition that should be met with empathy and support”.
Her message came as she backed charity The Forward Trust’s Addiction Awareness Week, which she helped to launch in 2021.
It commissioned a survey which found one in ten adults have experienced an addiction such as drugs, alcohol, medication or gambling.
Of those, between a quarter and a third would struggle to tell a close family member, a friend, their GP or even a partner.
Charity patron 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.
“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.
“Recovery is hard, but with the right treatment it is possible.
“And this begins with a conversation, a listening ear and showing we care.”
