Taking Action on Addiction

Sometimes, the most important thing you can do is listen. 💬

In Tamsin's words, being listened to and having someone hear her pain made a difference.

Conversations can help people feel heard, understood and supported when they need it most.

Through The Big Addiction Conversation, we're aiming to inspire 17,000 conversations about addiction, helping to challenge stigma, break down barriers and remind people that they don't have to face addiction alone.

You never know how much a conversation could mean to someone.

💬 Need a starting point? Use our digital conversation generator for prompts to get the conversation going.

Start a conversation today: takingactiononaddiction.org.uk/digital-conver…

#BigAddictionConversation

How does the language we use shape the way we see addiction?

The words we use don't just describe addiction. They shape how people experiencing it are seen, understood and treated.

Derogatory terms like "junkie", "druggie" or "alcy" are not only offensive, they're dehumanising. They can reinforce stigma, affect public attitudes, and make it harder for people to take that first step towards getting support.

That's why Taking Action on Addiction exists: to challenge the way society talks about addiction and the people affected by it.

This year's campaign, The Big Addiction Conversation, aims to spark 17,000 conversations that help people have more honest, informed and supportive discussions about drug, alcohol and gambling-related harm.

It's time to move beyond sensationalist headlines and harmful stereotypes that judge, blame and divide.

Addiction can affect anyone, regardless of age, background, gender, ethnicity or postcode. With understanding, effective support and opportunities for recovery, people can and do rebuild their lives.

Every conversation matters. Recovery is more likely when people feel accepted, understood and supported by those around them.

💬 How can we change the way we talk about addiction?

Join The Big Addiction Conversation and help build a more understanding, supportive and stigma-free society.

#BigAddictionConversation

How much do you know about the impact of alcohol on our health? 🧠

Alcohol can contribute to more than 60 different medical conditions, including liver disease, certain cancers, cardiovascular disease and conditions affecting the central nervous system.

It’s a reminder that there’s more to alcohol-related harm than we might think.

💬 Did you get the correct answer? Let us know in the comments!

Want to keep the conversation going? Test your knowledge and explore more questions using our digital card generator on our website.

takingactiononaddiction.org.uk/digital-conver…

#BigAddictionConversation

The recent @BBC documentary by Stacey Dooley has brought renewed attention to the rising harms associated with ketamine use in the UK and the growing impact it is having on young people and their families.

Ketamine use is a subject we've explored previously through Barney's Story, which highlighted the devastating impact addiction can have, not only on those using the drug, but also on the families and loved ones around them. Tragically, in Barney's case, ketamine use led to his premature death at just 21 years-old.

Greater awareness and education are vital in helping people understand the long-term mental and physical health risks associated with ketamine use. Yet many people still find it difficult to talk openly about their substance use, worsening symptoms or the possibility that they may need help. Ketamine use can lead to serious and sometimes permanent health complications, including bladder damage.

That's why conversations about drug and alcohol use are more important than ever.

Through The Big Addiction Conversation, we're encouraging more open, honest discussions about addiction, recovery and support.

This year, we're aiming to help start 17,000 conversations about addiction. One conversation for every life lost to drug or alcohol-related causes each year.

Whether it's a family member, friend, colleague or someone who trusts you enough to open up, conversations can play an important role in helping people feel heard and seek support.

Our campaign hub includes practical advice, support resources and a Digital Conversation Generator to help people start those conversations.

🔗 Read Barney's Story and visit our Campaign Hub: takingactiononaddiction.org.uk/campaign
takingactiononaddiction.org.uk/news/barneys-s…

💬 Do you think awareness of ketamine addiction has changed in recent years? We'd love to hear your thoughts.

#BigAddictionConversation

Imagine someone you love was struggling with addiction. How would you want them to be treated?

With kindness? Without judgement? With support, understanding and the chance to get better?

Addiction can affect anyone, and the way we respond can make a real difference. But stigma and misconceptions can make it harder for people to ask for help or feel understood.

Through The Big Addiction Conversation, we're encouraging people to challenge assumptions, listen to different experiences and talk more openly about addiction.

How would you want someone you love to be treated? Tell us in the comments. 👇

This card - and many others - are part of our Digital Conversation Generator card series.

Test your knowledge and reflect on your answers by visiting our Campaign Hub.

takingactiononaddiction.org.uk/digital-conver…

#BigAddictionConversation