#BigAddictionConversation
Addiction affects millions of people in the UK. But the stigma and lack of understanding around addiction stops many from seeking help. We want to change that. The Big Addiction Conversation is a national invitation to talk about addiction. Over the course of the next year, we want to start 17,000 conversations – one for each of the lives lost too soon to alcohol or drug-related causes in the UK every year. With your support, we can change perspectives, reduce stigma, build understanding, and empower more people to seek support earlier.
Our campaign purpose
Addiction affects millions of people in the UK. But the stigma and lack of understanding around addiction stops many from seeking help. We want to change that.
Last year, our ‘The Conversation That Changed Everything’ campaign showed how one honest conversation has the power to be a pivotal moment for people affected by addiction. This year, we want to build on those foundations and start a movement to change the way Britain talks about addiction, in the same way it’s changed for mental health.
The Big Addiction Conversation is a national invitation to start conversations about addiction, in the hope of changing perspectives about addiction, reducing the stigma around it, and building understanding and empathy for the people affected by it.
Our Patron, HRH The Princess of Wales, first launched Taking Action on Addiction in 2021. Since then, we have continued to grow and develop a national campaign.
We are proud of all our ambassadors and supporters that represent our campaign
Find out more about how our campaign started, our aims and values.
Meet Tom, who shares his childhood experiences of living with a parent with alcohol dependency. Tom discusses the impact of growing up with a parent who was in active addiction. Now in recovery, Tom's parent has worked hard to rebuild trust - and now their relationship is better than ever.
Meet Sarah who shares how her fears around loneliness almost stopped her from getting help (with her addiction) for Taking Action on Addiction. Now in recovery, she is determined for the messaging around alcohol to change. You can also comment below with your thoughts on addiction and recovery - or share your journey to inspire others.
Meet Hannah, who is kind enough to share her inspiring story with Taking Action on Addiction. Hannah holds a lens up to her old life - noting how her challenges through life appeared to push her towards substances. Hannah is gracious in her recovery, noting how the positive impact it has had on her - "it's incredible" she says.
"Addiction is a serious mental health condition that can happen to anyone, no matter what age, gender, race or nationality. I want you to know that this is also a serious health condition. Please do not let shame hold you back from getting the help you so desperately need."
HRH, The Princess of Wales
"It was just easier to accept that I was an alcoholic and addict. I could see that there was another life available to me."
Bryony Gordon
"There wasn’t anything in place around why I was actually in prison – I had no counselling so I just did my time and came out to another six years of hell getting to the end of the my drinking… I’m so grateful now that I have a 12-step program."
Tony Adams
"This campaign seeks to reverse the myths that surround addiction across our society, so it can become normal for people to seek help or treatment, and receive the help needed as early as possible."
Mike Trace CEO, The Forward Trust / Taking Action on Addiction
Find out about our new campaign activities including how you can get involved in community events, social media and lending your voice to effect change.
Help change how Britain talks about addiction. Sign up to get involved, start conversations and support the campaign.