"But still, even now in 2025, people's experience of addiction is shaped by fear, shame and judgment. 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 to organisations like the Forward Trust for support."
"Recovery is hard, but with the right treatment it is possible. And this begins with a conversation, a listening ear and showing we care. 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."
Addiction experiences are shaped by fear, shame and judgment and require compassion, open conversation and accessible support. Addiction is a complex mental health condition rather than a choice or personal failing, and recovery demands appropriate treatment and community backing. Stigma allows addiction to persist privately, harming families and communities. Encouraging conversations, listening and connecting people to organisations such as the Forward Trust can help those affected seek help. Public attitudes show many people know someone affected by addiction and a large majority believe addicted individuals should be treated as people in need of help.
Read at www.theguardian.com
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