Addiction Awareness Week: Importance of getting treatment
Princess Kate has called for the stigma around addiction to end and for people to be open about receiving treatment.
Addiction Awareness Week 2025 graphic
More than one in five people in the UK have a life-altering addiction. This includes drugs, alcohol, gambling, and even gaming. The Princess of Wales took this into account when she started Addiction Awareness Week in 2021; ever since, she has released many statements on the importance of getting help.
Donna Munslow, who is a former worker under substance misuse for the NHS and the charity Addaction, said: “My experience working in the field is that addiction is not talked about enough, like a little secret that needs to be hidden away and kept in the dark.” Facing addiction isn’t something that comes naturally but should be encouraged not stigmatised. “But awareness brings people back into the light and they are 'seen'. Increasing public understanding is essential, because when people recognise the signs and feel able to ask for help, recovery becomes possible, and lives can be rebuilt.”
In September 2025, the Government released plans to invest in the next generation of research talent to tackle drug and alcohol addiction. A £10 million investment will help people get back to their normal lives through care that works best for them.
“Addiction is devastating lives across the UK every day. By backing the future leaders of addiction research, we are laying the groundwork for the vital, evidence-based prevention measures and treatments we need.
We know that exceptional talent can be found all over the country. That’s why this programme will look to every corner of the UK for researchers with high potential to pioneer addiction research that could save countless lives and save billions to be reinvested in our public services and economy.”
Getting help for addiction should not be frowned upon. If you or someone you know needs help with overcoming an addiction, you can visit the NHS website or visit your local GP.