Duchess Kate Urges Those Struggling With Addiction To Seek Support

During a virtual tour of Action on Addiction's Clouds House in Wiltshire, the Duchess of Cambridge spoke about the importance of those struggling with addiction to reach out and seek support. The messages comes as a YouGov survey commissioned by the charity found a quarter of adults are drinking more during lockdown. Fifteen percent revealed they were experiencing physical alcohol withdrawal symptoms as well as problems relating to financial worries or relationship issues. 

Speaking to Action on Addiction's CEO Graham Beech, Kate said: "The worrying thing is, it is all those people who aren't necessarily reaching out who are struggling, who perhaps don't feel they can reach out. Or the fact that maybe they haven't realised that addictive behaviours have sort of established, particularly if it's the first time - and it's those people who aren't necessarily being vocal about it. It's making sure that they know they can reach out and that you are here to help and support them in this very difficult time."

Hello! reports:

'During the video call, Kate spoke with CEO Graham Beech, clinical lead Dr Simone Yule and treatment manager Anya Sparks and asked them whether they had noticed a difference in the number of people contacting them for emergency help.

Dr Yule said: "We are seeing more alcohol issues and in the community. I think definitely we know alcohol sales have gone up exponentially, so the rise in people that are now starting to seek treatment with lockdown gradually lifting, I think that is going to have a big impact."

Mr Beech told the Duchess their website was busier than ever and they were doing as much as they could to connect people digitally and also to let people know Clouds was still open.

He added: "We have done some polling and we have discovered that people are struggling during lockdown. More people are drinking and gambling but also we are concerned about the number of people who are struggling to maintain their recovery and are getting into relapse. We are particularly concerned about families and young people and the impact that lockdown and addiction is having."

During a conversation with resident Chris, Kate heard about his journey from rehab to lockdown. "There's always the fear of missing out and that kind of got taken away in a sense, so it was really nice for me, it felt gentle." The Duchess praised the work of staff and their efforts to provide services throughout the pandemic. "It's a lifeline for many people and you know and it's great that they are able to continue the support, whether remotely or those who are actually still receiving treatment now during lockdown and providing life changing support."

Kate also had the opportunity to speak to Lucy, whose mother received vital help at Clouds House. More from the Mail Online:

'The Duchess of Cambridge also spoke to Lucy, whose mother was previously a resident before the family embarked on a series of courses together to help her beat her addictions.

Lucy told the royal: 'We do it every few months or whenever mum feels she needs it, or whenever we feel we need it, and it's been game changing for our family - really beneficial to be in a room and talk so openly as we have done.' The duchess praised the holistic approach of Clouds and Action on Addiction.

'For someone who is suffering to take that one individual and ask them to go through it themselves is a real challenge,' she said. 'But if you can pull in family members or those around them to try and help them through, it is really extraordinary and actually I've heard in the past everyone learns a huge amount from it as well, so it's really fantastic.'

As the call and virtual tour wrapped up, Kate promised to pay a visit in the future. 

Kate privately visited Clouds House in 2012, in a private capacity, when William was deployed in the Falklands.

During a speech to mark the opening of a new treatment centre in Wickford in 2018, Kate recalled the visit saying: "It seems like a long time since I first got involved with Action On Addiction, I think it was six years ago, but they have a very special place for me and were really at the start of my learning, particularly now, with the development of my work into mental health. You are very special to me, so it's great to be here as well as seeing the development of where the charity has gone over the years gone past."

If interested in reading the results of the survey, please click here. Graham Beech also said of the findings:

“We know that addiction feeds on isolation, and the precautionary measures that are in place because of COVID-19 create the circumstances upon which addiction thrives. Yet, despite this, a significant number of people do not know how to access treatment, support or advice, and addiction remains hidden from view in public health terms.

The damaging consequences for individuals and families can often be traumatic, and it is vital that we get the message across that help is available to people who need it now and that they can kickstart a person’s recovery during the COVID-19 pandemic.”

Whilst, of course, not everyone – whatever their behaviour during lockdown – is developing an addiction the picture from a public health and social perspective is one of concern. Crucially, the findings signal that problems of addiction are growing in both volume and complexity, and are not confined to one substance, one activity, or one small section of our society. Our survey also highlights a much-neglected area of public policy, that of the paucity of provision for children and young people who are showing signs of addictive behaviour –or experiencing a full-blown addiction – at an early age. Action is urgently needed to ensure that young people and families are better supported and that they have access to information, advice and guidance, and specialist interventions where needed.'

The Duchess wore a vibrant red shirt for the call, I'll update if it's identified. It also looks like Kate accessorised with her Daniella Draper hoops. The hoops were originally part of the shamrock earrings she wore in Ireland. 

If you would like to donate to Action on Addiction or find out more about the range of supports they offer please click here.