Taking Action on Addiction

In this powerful film, @TonyAdams shares the moment that sparked his recovery journey - and why honest conversations about addiction can save lives. This video is part of The Conversation That Changed Everything, a national campaign for Addiction Awareness Week (23–30 November), led by The Forward Trust and the Taking Action on Addiction coalition. If you’ve been affected by addiction – either personally or through someone you care about - starting a conversation can be the first step toward recovery. Addiction thrives in silence. Recovery starts with conversation. Watch the full video: youtube.com/watch?v=zOdGwg… #LetsTalkAddiction

Fewer than 1 in 4 people with addiction are in contact with specialist services. That means the majority of people living with addiction aren't getting the support they need. Our recent Addiction in the UK report highlights the scale of the challenge and the barriers that prevent people from accessing help. Whether it's stigma, long waiting times, lack of awareness, or limited local services, too many people are falling through the cracks. Addiction is a health issue, and everyone should be able to access support when they need it. What would make it easier for people to get help? Let us know your thoughts in the comments. 💬 Read the full Addiction in the UK report on our website: takingactiononaddiction.org.uk/news/strugglin… #LetsTalkAddiction #AddictionInTheUK #TakingActionOnAddiction

"To anyone who feels that there is no support out there, there absolutely is. Please don't suffer in silence like I did for over 10 years." As England take to the pitch tonight, many people will be enjoying the game. But for some, major sporting events can also be a trigger for harmful gambling. Paul shares his experience of gambling addiction, recovery, and the support that helped him regain control of his life. His story comes as our new Addiction in the UK report reveals the scale of addiction across the UK and the urgent need for better support. Read Paul's story and explore the report via the link: takingactiononaddiction.org.uk/news/world-cup… #LetsTalkAddiction

Read the new 'Addiction in the UK' report - takingactiononaddiction.org.uk/news/strugglin…

The UK has a drug and alcohol crisis. Here's why. ➡️ Share your experiences in the comments #LetsTalkAddiction

Approximately 17,000 people are reported to have died from drug or alcohol-related causes last year. The true figure is likely to be even higher, as drugs or alcohol are not always identified in coroners' reports. Behind every statistic is a person, a family, and a community affected by loss. These deaths are not inevitable; they highlight the urgent need for better prevention, earlier intervention, and greater access to effective support. Our recent Addiction in the UK report explores the scale of addiction across the country and why more must be done to ensure people can get help before it's too late. Read the full Addiction in the UK report on our website: takingactiononaddiction.org.uk/news/strugglin… #LetsTalkAddiction #AddictionInTheUK #TakingActionOnAddiction

Does this figure surprise you? Our newly released report, 'Addiction in the UK', developed by @146551545406987 & @CrestAdvisory, highlights the scale of alcohol use across the four nations. 🔗 takingactiononaddiction.org.uk #AlcoholAwarenessWeek #LetsTalkAddiction #ForwardTrust

We're also grateful to have a passionate rally cry for change from Forward Chair, @TonyAdams — drawing on his own lived experiences of addiction. You can read both of these extracts in the report and on the news section of Forward's website. Have you accessed addiction treatment services in the UK? We'd like to hear about your experiences in the comments. 💬 🔗takingactiononaddiction.org.uk/news/strugglin… #LetsTalkAddiction #AlcoholAwarenessWeek #ForwardTrust (3/3)

The stats and data provided in the report have been sourced from a wide range of trusted health sources, including the @ONS and @Drinkaware, among many others representing UK nations. Beyond the detailed findings, the report goes a step further by providing our collective recommendation for improvements. This is provided by Forward CEO, @MikeTrace61, in his Executive Summary, with a 9-point action plan providing a solid proposal for how addiction treatment services can be improved — from prevention to improving access. (2/3)

Is addiction a public health crisis? 'Addiction in the UK,' a new report by @ForwardTrust and @CrestAdvisory, makes a compelling case that the answer is YES. On behalf of our national addiction campaign, this new report brings together evidence-based data from across the UK within a single publication — the very first time this has been done. (1/3)

A landmark report released today for Taking Action on Addiction from @ForwardTrust and @CrestAdvisory, has for the first time revealed the extent of drug and alcohol addiction across all four nations in the UK. Read the full report online: takingactiononaddiction.org.uk/news/strugglin… #LetsTalkAddiction

Looking for a Sunday afternoon with a difference? 🎤 We're delighted to be supported by a special edition of Sober Comedy London, hosted by Sober IS Fun, London's original alcohol-free professional comedy club. Join us at BackYard Comedy Club, London, on Sunday 20th September 2026 for an afternoon of laughter, connection and some of the UK's top stand-up comedians, including Geoff Norcott, Josh Baulf, Dana Alexander and Pat Smith. 🚪 Doors open: 2pm 🎭 Show starts: 3:30pm ⏰ Show finishes: 5:30pm Arrive early to enjoy the pre-show social, with table tennis, pool, table football, food and a fantastic selection of alcohol-free drinks available throughout the afternoon. Whether you're living alcohol-free, taking a break from drinking, embracing a healthier lifestyle, or simply love great comedy, this event offers a welcoming and inclusive space to enjoy live entertainment without alcohol. By attending, you'll also be supporting Taking Action on Addiction and helping raise awareness of addiction and recovery. Learn more about the event here: takingactiononaddiction.org.uk/news/join-us-f… Book your tickets here: designmynight.com/london/bars/be… #TakingActionOnAddiction #SoberComedy #Recovery #SoberIsFun

Sam wasn't sure if he wanted to stop drinking, even after being hospitalised with pancreatitis in 2024, which was caused by his alcohol consumption. It wasn't until a conversation with a therapist in rehab that he understood that he needed to address the reasons why he relied on alcohol to confront his addiction head-on. Now over one year into his recovery, Sam uses his own experience of addiction to help others as a Recovery Coach. We are truly grateful to Sam for sharing his story with us. One conversation can change everything. Share your story. Start a conversation. Change a life. #LetsTalkAddiction #TakingActionOnAddiction

Shane's life was in danger because of his addiction, and there was nothing his friends or family could do. It wasn't until his third time in a rehabilitation facility that a member of staff finally got through to him, reminding Shane that addiction is a disease, not a choice. This realisation set Shane on the path to recovery, and he is now passionate about changing the way we talk about addiction and those who face it. One conversation can change everything - just like it did for Shane. Share your story. Start a conversation. Change a life. #LetsTalkAddiction

One conversation can change everything. For John, it was the conversation he had with himself. After catching his reflection one day, John was forced to confront the reality of his addiction, and in that moment, he made a promise to himself: to stop hiding, start being honest, and finally open up to the people closest to him. That difficult but powerful decision became the turning point in his recovery journey. By choosing honesty over fear, John found strength, support and a new beginning. As John reminds us: “Your worst day in recovery will always beat your best day in addiction.” Like John, your story could inspire someone else to start talking. Share your story. Start a conversation. Change a life. #LetsTalkAddiction

A powerful new national campaign, The Silence Ends with Us, is taking action on rising suicide, loneliness and drug-related harm within LGBTQ+ communities across the UK. Led by You Are Loved, this movement combines a nationwide theatre tour, digital outreach, and the launch of “Ask Bobby”, a groundbreaking LGBTQ+ support directory connecting people to vital services when they need them most. At the heart of the campaign is SMOKE, a bold queer comic-thriller by @lexigregory, bringing real conversations about addiction, mental health and isolation to stages across the country, followed by live panels with local voices and experts. Join the conversation at @The_White_Rock in Hastings tomorrow (28 April), where the post-show panel will feature @ForwardTrust's Inclusion Coordinator and Drug & Alcohol Practitioner, @dazlarrr. The reality is stark: LGBTQ+ individuals face significantly higher risks of suicide and substance-related harm. But this campaign is about connection, visibility, and change. Visit our website to find out more information on the tour and ways to get support for yourself or a loved one: takingactiononaddiction.org.uk/news/the-silen… #LetsTalkAddiction #TakingActionOnAddiction

As the West End theatres tonight dim their lights to honour the Producer Robert Fox, we remember his incredible work for addiction. In recovery for 30 years, Robert was a long-term trustee of Action on Addiction who supported and championed so much of our work. Thoughtful and generous, he was a founding influence for Taking Action on Addiction, who gave so much to the recovery community. Our thoughts are with his family and loved ones.

One conversation can change everything. For Chrissy, it was sharing her story in a room full of strangers that changed everything. Having attended an AA meeting, Chrissy was praised by an 'amazing lady' for her inspiring share. In turn, Chrissy was also inspired herself by the communal experience of listening, relating and finding common ground with those in the meeting. Through multiple conversations from this and other AA meetings, Chrissy experienced first-hand how the kindness of others helped her to feel seen, supported, and gave her the strength to keep coming back. Like Chrissy, you can also encourage other people to start talking about addiction. Share your story. Start a conversation. Change a life. #LetsTalkAddiction

Recovery from addiction often begins with a single moment, conversation or person that helped to show you that change was possible. Taking Action on Addiction want to hear about the conversation that kick-started YOUR recovery journey. What was said? Who was there? Why did it stay with you? 🎥 Let us share your video story with our followers - email us to find out how to get involved ⬇️ takingactiononaddiction@forwardtrust.org.uk Share your story. Start a conversation. Change a life. 💙 #LetsTalkAddiction

One conversation can change everything. Whilst living in a tent, Jonathan spoke to a charity worker with lived experience of addiction who helped him get off the streets and start his recovery journey. He now works at @ForwardTrust and has important conversations with others who need it. We are so grateful to him for his hard work and for sharing his story. Want to help get people talking about addiction? Share your story. Start a conversation. Change a life. #LetsTalkAddiction

For Tam, it was a conversation with a probation officer whilst he was living in a hostel that changed everything. Tam chose to stay at Clouds House, one of @ForwardTrust’s residential treatment services, and has been on his recovery journey ever since. With over 30 years of sobriety, Tam still remembers this one conversation, highlighting the importance of keeping the conversation about addiction going. Share your story. Start a conversation. Change a life. #LetsTalkAddiction