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Kate Middleton is speaking out about breaking the stigma surrounding addiction
The Princess of Wales is urging people to show "compassion" and understanding to those struggling in a special new message released Monday, Nov. 24
The fight for those coping with addiction and the people who live with or care for them is a long-running cause of Princess Kate's
Kate Middletonis speaking out to urge compassion and understanding for those in the grip of addiction.
The Princess of Wales, 43, is calling on people to reach out and support those suffering from addiction in all its forms — and "reframe this issue with kindness and understanding."
Princess Kate'sspecial messageon Monday, Nov. 24, comes as part of Addiction Awareness Week, run by charityForward Trust. Kate has supported the cause of both helping addicts and their families, and breaking the stigma of not talking about the issue, since the early days of her public life after marryingPrince Williamin 2011.
"It has been humbling to see the significant progress made to better understand addiction and tackle the stigma surrounding it. But there remains much more to do," 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."
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"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," she continued. "Now is the moment to show our compassion and love to help them, or their friends and family, to reach out to organizations 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," Kate went on, adding, "By talking about it in the open, together we can bring addiction and the harm it causes out of the shadows," and "help individuals and families coping with addiction know they are not alone."
Kate isroyal patron of the Forward Trust, which this week has published a new survey that found 53% of adults in the U.K. have experienced or know someone who has lived with drug, alcohol, medication or gambling addiction or dependency, with one in 10 personally experiencing addiction themselves.
Half of those who have personally experienced an addiction or dependency said that they would be uncomfortable speaking with their employer; while a third would struggle to speak to a close family member, friend or family doctor about their situation. A quarter would struggle to tell a partner, too.
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Former England soccer captain Tony Adams has added his voice to the campaign in a film talking about how open conversations have the power to help those in need. The 59-year-old spent 11 years in addiction. "If you are struggling with an addiction or a mental health issue, then please reach out and get the appropriate help. The greatest thing I ever did was to say, 'I can't do this,' " Adams says in the film.
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Kate — whostepped out with William, 43, at the Royal Variety Performance last week and alsohosted a symposium to discuss the early years– has been championing a more open attitude towards those struggling with mental health crises and addiction for more than a decade.
The Princess of Wales — whom announced she is inremission from cancerin January — continues her busy end of the year schedule into next month with the state visit by the German president, Frank-Walter Steinmeier, to Windsor and her carol service at Westminster Abbey on Dec. 5, where she will celebrate the year, along with many of those causes she champions.
If you or someone you know is struggling with substance abuse, please contact the SAMHSA helpline at 1-800-662-HELP.
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