According to Kate, patron of the addiction rehabilitation charity The Forward Trust, “addiction is a terrible mental illness that can affect anyone, regardless of age, gender, ethnicity, or nationality.”

The Princess of Wales has cautioned that the stigma associated with addiction prevents many individuals from seeking treatment, and has assured addicts that “healing is possible.”

Kate, the patron of the addiction treatment organization The Forward Trust, described addiction as a “severe health condition” that is “not a matter of choice.”

Addiction Awareness Week begins with her message of support for the Taking Action on Addiction campaign.

Addiction is a terrible mental health issue that can affect anyone, regardless of age, gender, ethnicity, or nationality,” she stated.

“Addiction is being viewed in a new light. However, we need to reach this point now. Still, the stigma of substance abuse prevents individuals and families from seeking assistance, and regrettably, lives continue to be tragically lost.

“Therefore, today, during Addiction Awareness Week, I would like to send a word of support to those who are still suffering.

Please understand that addiction is not voluntary. No one becomes an addict by choice.

“The charities leading the Taking Action on Addiction Campaign, together with others, are offering life-changing assistance to help people recover and move ahead.

They are here to assist you. Therefore, please get aid. I understand this was not a decision. It is feasible to recover.”

The Taking Action on Addiction campaign, led by The Forward Trust and several charity partners, aims to reframe existing ideas of addiction, raise awareness of the origins and nature of addiction, enhance understanding, eliminate prejudice, and enable more individuals to seek assistance.

Mike Trace, chief executive officer of The Forward Trust, stated, “At a time when addiction is on the rise in the United Kingdom, we must raise awareness of its causes and act swiftly to stem the tide, to intervene early to reduce the impact on families and children, and to ensure that people have access to the support and treatment that we know makes recovery from addiction possible.”