A new campaign in Hertfordshire is working to break the stigma around drug and alcohol use by reminding people of something very important: dependence is not a choice, it is a health condition. The campaign was shaped with input from people receiving support services through Public Health at Hertfordshire County Council, and this real-life perspective helped guide both its message and design. A new website, www.hertfordshire.gov.uk/endstigma, now brings together information, understanding, and support for people affected by drug or alcohol dependence.

The need for this kind of work is clear. In Hertfordshire, 68% of residents told researchers they feel judged for their drug and alcohol use, and that judgment can become a serious barrier to asking for help. The campaign stresses that dependency is often linked to trauma, mental health struggles, social pressures, and other difficult life circumstances, not personal failure. It also points to the very real consequences of stigma, including shame, isolation, and reduced access to treatment and support.

A central part of the campaign is the use of real voices and recovery stories. Local people share their experiences in the video Ending Stigma, Hertfordshire’s message of hope, speaking openly about isolation, self-harm, feeling misunderstood, and the long process of recovery. Their message is simple but powerful: substance problems can affect anyone, stigma makes things worse, and support can change lives. By replacing judgment with compassion and helping more people feel safe enough to seek help, the campaign offers both understanding and hope.

Find more from Healthwatch Hertfordshire (UK, March 2026)