As Mental Health Awareness Month unfolds in May 2025, global mental health challenges are surging amid conflict, climate anxiety, economic instability, and social divides. Marginalised groups, including people of colour, LGBTQI+ individuals, women, and immigrants, face not only these universal stressors but also systemic discrimination and marginalisation, heightening their vulnerability to mental health struggles and substance misuse.

Ryan Eripse, head of clinical at The Cabin, a drug and alcohol rehabilitation centre in Thailand, emphasises that addiction often serves as an escape for those lacking safety and belonging. “We must acknowledge the intersection of trauma, social exclusion, and mental health struggles,” Eripse says. “Marginalised groups, including LGBTQI+ individuals, are not only more vulnerable to substance abuse but are also less likely to access safe, affirming spaces for recovery.” He advocates for trauma-informed, culturally sensitive care to address the social conditions driving addiction, rather than viewing it as a moral failing.

Addiction Is a Mental Health Issue

Studies reveal a deep interconnection between addiction and mental health. Anxiety, depression, trauma, and unresolved emotional pain frequently underlie substance use or compulsive behaviours. Eripse notes, “Many people still separate addiction and mental health in their minds, thinking of them as two different issues. But research – and the lived experience of countless individuals – tells a different story.” Addiction often acts as a coping mechanism for emotional distress, with substances or behaviours providing temporary relief at a significant cost.

Stigma fuels silence

The myth that addiction stems from “bad choices” or weak willpower perpetuates shame, discouraging people from seeking help. This stigma obscures addiction’s role within the broader mental health landscape, making recovery harder. Eripse stresses that shame is a barrier, not a motivator, and calls for compassionate dialogue to replace judgment.

Myths to dispel

Several misconceptions hinder progress in addressing addiction:

• “Addiction is a moral failure.” Truth: It’s a complex issue rooted in trauma, genetics, mental health, and environmental factors, not a character flaw
• “You just need to be stronger to stop.” Truth: Recovery requires more than willpower; addiction alters brain pathways, necessitating professional support.
• “Mental health issues and addiction are separate.” Truth: Most individuals with addiction also face mental health challenges, and ignoring these roots often leads to relapse.
• “People with addiction are dangerous or hopeless. “Truth: They are suffering individuals who, with evidence-based care, can recover.

Shifting the narrative

Eripse urges society to ask, “What happened to them?” rather than “What’s wrong with them?” Addiction often stems from pain, isolation, or trauma, requiring the same empathy as anxiety or depression. Open, shame-free conversations are vital to encourage help-seeking.

Recognising addiction’s signs

Beyond substance use or compulsive behaviours like gambling or gaming, addiction manifests in:

• Increasing withdrawal or secrecy
• Intense or frequent mood swings, anxiety, or depression
• Struggles with responsibilities, such as work or relationships
• Repeated, unkept promises to stop
• Isolation or defensiveness when confronted

These signal emotional overwhelm, not moral failure.

What doesn’t help

Lecturing, shaming, or issuing ultimatums often deepens pain and secrecy. Demanding instant change or personalising behaviours ignores addiction’s complexity.

What does help

Compassionate approaches include:

• Using non-judgmental language, like “I see you’re struggling. I’m here.”
• Offering unconditional support without enabling
• Encouraging professional help, such as therapy or support groups, at the individual’s pace
• Educating oneself on trauma and addiction science

Healing through connection

Addiction thrives in isolation, but recovery begins with trust and understanding. Eripse highlights that creating safe, affirming spaces is crucial, particularly for marginalised communities. By fostering connection and reducing stigma, society can help individuals feel empowered to seek help.

This Mental Health Awareness Month, the call is clear: treat addiction as a mental health issue, challenge myths, and build a more compassionate world where recovery is within reach for all.