alcohol
and
stigma
​​Alcohol harms,
but so do words.
It's time to talk openly about addiction.
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Welcome to our campaign, focused on creating a more supportive and understanding environment for people experiencing addiction to alcohol. We want to promote open conversation, challenge and reduce stigma, and encourage support.
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​​​In 2023, there were 10,473 deaths from alcohol-specific causes, the highest number on record.
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Addiction to alcohol can affect anyone—patients, loved ones, and even colleagues. It isn’t always obvious, and stigma often prevents people from seeking help when they need it most. By showing understanding, we can create a more supportive environment where individuals feel respected, listened to, and able to access support without fear of judgement.
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It is important to recognise that people who experience addiction to alcohol may have a history of trauma and adverse experiences.
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Many of us have faced tough times. That’s why this campaign encourages open, honest conversations with colleagues, people who access services, friends and loved ones, and reminds us to be mindful and compassionate.
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Everyone’s story is different, and by challenging harmful stereotypes, we can reduce stigma together.​
“As many recovery programmes uncover, there are common threads among the life lines of patients referred to an alcohol nurse while in hospital. Sometimes, this is the first-time they've ended up in hospital due to alcohol. Alcohol might not be related to the admission and while they might have been spoken to about alcohol, it's often a conversation they find to be judgemental or critical.”
Anonymous, Alcohol and Drugs Nurse specialist.
Resources and support
Stigma around alcohol addiction can make it hard to ask for help.
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If you think you might be experiencing addiction, reaching out for help is a brave and positive step. Remember, addiction is not a personal failure. Support is available, and taking the first step can make a big difference to your well-being. This web page lists out support services that you can turn to for help.​
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NHS staff, like anyone else, deserve the opportunity to access confidential, professional support without the fear of repercussions. Whether from within the NHS or external services, a clear, supportive plan is in place to ensure that individuals receive the care they need, with the same dignity and privacy as any other health concern. If you or a colleague are struggling, don’t hesitate to reach out for help.
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We've also created a supporter pack that provides you with the tools and resources to effectively communicate with people experiencing alcohol addiction inside and outside of your organisation.
Start the conversation.
Break the stigma.
​If you think a colleague, loved one, friend, or someone accessing your services might be experiencing addiction, starting the conversation can make a real difference. Breaking the stigma helps create a safe space where people feel empowered to seek help.
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Here are some resources to guide you:
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Learn from experts, healthcare professionals, and people with lived experience. Visit nhsapa.org/events and watch our past stigma-focused conferences on demand. These sessions provide valuable insights into addressing stigma and strategies for creating stigma-free environments.
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We’ve created a guide on conversation starters to help you feel comfortable in starting the conversation. Download it below.
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Explore our blogs and case stories, featuring firsthand insights from individuals with lived experience of alcohol addiction, and contributors from our member trusts.
Working group
The NHS APA currently runs an Alcohol Harms working group which is focused on making a positive difference in the treatment of people experiencing addiction to alcohol.
If you are an existing NHS APA member and you’d like to get involved, please email peter.Keeling@mpft.nhs.uk.