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

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

Join us for a brilliant afternoon of sober comedy THIS SUNDAY in partnership with @fun_sober and @ForwardTrust! 📅 Sunday 25 January 2026 🕞 3:30–6:00pm (doors from 2pm) 📍 BackYard Comedy Club, Bethnal Green Enjoy 4 top touring comedians, alcohol-free drinks, pizzas, and games like pool, table tennis & table football, all in a fun, supportive, sober space. Come for the laughs. Stay for the connection. 💛 Add code 'DryJan20' for a discounted ticket at checkout. Get your tickets today: don't miss out: designmynight.com/london/bars/be… #LetsTalkAddiction

It's your last chance to get your free ticket for the Forward National Reunion 2026! Ticket registration closes at 11am tomorrow, but don’t worry if you miss that deadline - you can still register on the day of the event! 🎟️ The National Reunion promises to be a special day of connection, celebration and community for anyone touched by addiction. Whether you’ve walked the path of recovery, supported someone who has, or want to learn more about recovery and support, we’d love to see you there. 👉Register for your free ticket now: eventbrite.co.uk/e/the-forward-… #LetsTalkAddiction #ForwardTrustReunion

Still thinking about how to spend your #DryJanuary weekend? 🎤✨ Sober Comedy London’s Dry January Special on 25 January is all about connection, laughter and showing that great social experiences don’t need alcohol. Expect a relaxed, welcoming atmosphere with stand-up from @SallyAnneComedy, Josh James, @stefanompaolini and @SLIMcomedian, plus alcohol-free drinks and good vibes all afternoon. Arrive from 2pm for pizza and mocktails, before the comedy kicks off at 3:30pm. Whether you’re sober-curious, in recovery, or just taking a break, everyone is welcome. 💛 Money raised from the event will go towards supporting the work of @ForwardTrust, helping people rebuild their lives free from addiction. 🎟️ Use DryJan20 for 20% off tickets. 👉 Book now: designmynight.com/london/bars/be… #DryJanuary #TakingActionOnAddiction #LetsTalkAddiction

Looking for a fun, alcohol-free way to celebrate #DryJanuary? 🎤 We’re excited to be sharing Sober Comedy London’s Dry January Special (25 January) - a welcoming, inclusive space to enjoy stand-up comedy, alcohol-free drinks and positive vibes. Whether you’re sober-curious, in recovery, or just taking a break, this one’s for you. Join us for a joyful, inclusive afternoon of stand-up from @SallyAnneComedy, Josh James, @stefanompaolini and @SLIMcomedian. Get there early from 2pm for pizza, mocktails and pre-show fun, then settle in for the laughs at 3:30pm. Use code DryJan20 for 20% off tickets - bring friends, support your sober journey and help us normalise alcohol-free spaces! 🎟️ Get your tickets today: designmynight.com/london/bars/be… #DryJanuary #LetsTalkAddiction #TakingActionOnAddiction

Selena’s family and best friend staged an intervention when they could see how badly she was struggling with her alcohol addiction.  This conversation changed everything, and helped Selena start her journey to recovery. Now 3 years into her sobriety, she hopes her story can help others in a similar position. Share your story. Start a conversation. Change a life. #LetsTalkAddiction

This year’s Addiction Awareness Week message, “The Conversation That Changed Everything”, reminded us that recovery often begins with a single moment of brave honesty. Now, we’re taking that courage forward with our Road to Recovery campaign: one brick, one step, one day at a time. Every virtual “brick” added represents real recovery days, real hope, and real solidarity. If you’ve had that life-changing conversation, or even just one moment of clarity, we invite you to mark it. Add your brick, leave a message, and consider leaving a donation to help others. Together, we build a pathway of possibility. 🧱 Get involved by visiting our website: takingactiononaddiction.org.uk/news/introduci… #RoadToRecovery #LetsTalkAddiction

The festive season can be tough for many, but it can also be a moment to reach out and start the conversation that changes everything. 💙 If you or someone you care about is struggling with addiction this Christmas, you don’t have to face it alone. Support is available throughout the holidays, whether you need someone to talk to, information, or a first step toward recovery. Visit our website to find guidance, helplines, and ways to get help when you need it most: takingactiononaddiction.org.uk #LetsTalkAddiction

For many people, recovery begins with the conversation that changed everything. Your support can help make more of those moments possible. 💙 This festive period, your donation helps ensure that individuals and families affected by addiction can access life-changing support, resources, and hope - exactly when they need it most. If you can, please give today and help us keep these vital conversations going. 👉 Donate here: taoa.raiselysite.com #LetsTalkAddiction

Emma’s conversation with a client completely transformed the way she approaches her work as a Drug & Alcohol Practitioner. Professionals at @ForwardTrust and similar organisations are shaped by those in the recovery community, whether they have lived experience themselves or not.  We need to keep the conversations going to help tackle stigma and make sure help is available to those that need it most. Share your story. Start a conversation. Change a life. #LetsTalkAddiction

The festive period can be especially challenging for those struggling with alcohol dependency, yet many workplaces overlook the impact on their employees. From office parties to social pressures, it’s more important than ever to create a supportive, inclusive environment. Employers can make a real difference: provide non-alcoholic options, normalize asking for help, and encourage participation in initiatives like Dry January. Small steps can have a big impact on wellbeing and workplace culture. 💬 Read the full blog by James Parker, Head of Community Services at The Forward Trust, and discover practical ways to support sober or sober-curious employees this season: takingactiononaddiction.org.uk/news/tis-the-s… #LetsTalkAddiction

Recovery looks different for everyone, and for many, it started with a conversation during Addiction Awareness Week. Whether you opened up, reached out, or simply listened - that moment mattered. Now, it’s time to build on it. 🧱 With the Road to Recovery campaign, you can share your journey: the number of days you’ve been in recovery, a message of encouragement, or simply hope for the future. Each brick laid becomes part of a collective roadmap, showing that no one has to walk this path alone.  Join us. Let’s keep the conversation going. Let’s show how far we’ve come, and how far we can go.👣 Get started by visiting our website: takingactiononaddiction.org.uk/news/introduci… #RoadToRecovery #LetsTalkAddiction

We want to say thank you. ❤️ Read our full review of Addiction Awareness Week 2025 here: takingactiononaddiction.org.uk/news/addiction… #LetsTalkAddiction