As Mental Health Awareness Month unfolds in May 2025, global challenges such as conflict, climate anxiety, and economic uncertainty are driving a surge in mental health struggles. For marginalised groups – people of colour, LGBTQI+ individuals, women, and immigrants – these pressures are intensified by systemic discrimination and social exclusion. This intersection of societal stressors and personal marginalisation is fuelling rising rates of substance misuse, with addiction increasingly recognised as a critical mental health concern.

Ryan Eripse, head of clinical at The Cabin, a drug and alcohol rehabilitation centre in Thailand, highlights the profound link between social conditions and addiction. “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 mental health care that addresses the root causes of addiction rather than treating it as a moral failing.

Addiction is a mental health issue

Research consistently shows that addiction is deeply intertwined with mental health challenges. Anxiety, depression, trauma, and unresolved emotional pain often drive 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, he explains, is frequently a coping mechanism for overwhelming emotional distress, with substances or behaviours offering temporary relief at a significant long-term cost.

Stigma remains a barrier

The misconception that addiction stems from weak willpower or poor choices perpetuates shame, silencing those who need help. This stigma not only prevents individuals from seeking support but also obscures the broader mental health context of addiction. By framing addiction as a character flaw, society creates barriers to recovery, making it harder for individuals to access compassionate care.

Key myths about addiction need debunking

Eripse and other experts identify several harmful misconceptions that must be challenged:

• Myth: Addiction is a moral failure. Truth: Addiction is complex, often rooted in trauma, genetics, mental health struggles, and environmental factors. It is not a reflection of character.
• Myth: You just have to be stronger and stop. Truth: Recovery requires more than willpower. Addiction alters brain pathways, necessitating professional support and compassion, much like other mental health conditions.
• Myth: Mental health problems and addiction are separate. Truth: Most individuals with addiction also face mental health challenges. Ignoring these underlying issues often leads to relapse.
• Myth: People with addiction are dangerous or hopeless. Truth: With evidence-based care and support, recovery is achievable. Those with addiction are individuals in pain, not defined by their struggles.

Shifting the narrative is critical

Eripse urges a fundamental change in how society approaches addiction, moving from judgment to empathy. “It’s time we stop asking, ‘What’s wrong with them?’ and start asking, ‘What happened to them?’” he says. Addiction often emerges from pain, isolation, or trauma, and addressing it requires the same compassion extended to anxiety or depression. Open, non-judgemental conversations can create safe spaces for individuals to seek help without fear of rejection.

Recognising addiction’s signs is vital

Beyond substance use or compulsive behaviours, signs include withdrawal, secrecy, mood swings, or difficulty managing responsibilities. These are not indicators of moral weakness but of someone overwhelmed by emotional pain. Supporting them starts with compassion, not control. Eripse advises using non-judgmental language, such as, “I can see you’re struggling. I’m here if you need to talk,” and encouraging professional help like therapy or support groups without forcing immediate action.

Connection drives healing

Addiction thrives in isolation, but recovery begins with trust and understanding. By fostering safe, supportive environments, society can help individuals break free from the cycle of addiction. As Mental Health Awareness Month 2025 highlights, addressing addiction as a mental health issue is not just about treatment – it’s about building a world where everyone feels seen, heard, and supported.