• Our Work

    Media Charter

Reporting on addiction with the same duty of care applied to any other mental health condition

Addiction Recovery Now is collaborating with leading addiction organisations, experts-by-experience, and media groups to explore how media coverage impacts on people in addiction, and on the public’s perception of addiction. 

Our Media Charter will ensure that addiction is reported on with the same duty of care as any other mental health condition.

We will seek agreement from across the industry on principles that would protect people in addiction and recovery from harmful media practices, challenge the stigma associated with addiction, and improve public understanding.

Background

The only illness where blame is placed on the individual

Too often, people who are alcohol and drug dependent are portrayed as ‘bad people, who make bad choices’. Addiction is the only illness where blame is placed on the individual who is suffering.

Addiction has long been subjected to sensationalism, and many vulnerable people are shamed publicly and reduced to dehumanising labels.

Such editorial practices don’t just harm the individuals and families targeted; they promote the harmful public stereotypes and stigma that prevent them seeking the support they need. 

There has been significant improvement in the way the media covers mental health issues. The Addiction Recovery Now Media Charter will ensure media coverage of addiction issues meets the high standards afforded to all other mental health conditions.

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