Addiction comes in many forms, but the deadliest often stem from the most accessible — alcohol and gambling. Despite being everywhere, the support available for those struggling is painfully inadequate.

What many still fail to understand is that addiction is not a choice — it’s a complex brain disorder, a mental illness that demands compassion, not judgement. When someone you love is sick, you’ll do whatever it takes to get them help. But what happens when help simply isn’t there?

What starts as a casual drink after a tough week can quickly become a lifeline for those living with relentless emotional pain. Mental torture often drives people to seek temporary relief — and in the absence of education, support, or safe alternatives, that relief is found in a bottle.

Addiction thrives in isolation and silence — and it’s worsened by our culture that normalises unhealthy coping mechanisms. We’ve been conditioned to reach for a drink whether we’re happy, sad, celebrating, or commiserating. “Drown your sorrows.” “Raise a glass.” From sports sponsorships to supermarket aisles, alcohol is embedded into the fabric of daily life. And now, it’s more accessible than ever — just a few taps away on services like Uber Eats or Deliveroo.

Addiction is everywhere you turn and the crisis is more visible than ever — right on our doorstep. At almost every traffic light in Brum, you’ll see someone experiencing homelessness — many of whom are battling addiction. These are real people. Someone’s loved one. Misunderstood, neglected, and so often the result of a broken system: years of government cuts, underfunded mental health services, and a total lack of accessible support.

Over the four years my sister battled addiction — the result of anxiety left untreated for years alongside post natal depression, eventually leading her to self-medicate with alcohol — I spent endless days researching every possible avenue of support. I was shocked by how limited and difficult those options truly are. NHS-funded rehabs have waiting lists of over two years — if you’re lucky enough to make it through the postcode lottery and endless hurdles. Private rehab? An average of £18,000 for a 28-day stay — yet another business capitalising on vulnerable people in their darkest time.

The system is broken — and it’s failing the very people who need it most.

Addiction isn’t just a personal battle — it devastates families, communities, and lives. Watching someone you love slowly deteriorate from this disease is heartbreaking beyond words and I wouldn't wish it upon my worst enemy. And yet, despite being so widespread and so visible, addiction remains grossly underfunded and poorly supported.

That’s why, on May 23rd, I’m taking on the famous Camino de Santiago pilgrimage — walking 260km from Porto, Portugal to Santiago, Spain. I’m doing it to raise awareness, to honour those fighting silent battles, and to help spark the conversation we so desperately need around addiction, mental health, and meaningful support.

We need change — and it starts by being brave enough to talk about it.

Throughout my sisters years of addiction the only way she found her way out of the darkness was with the support of AA - Alcoholics Anonymous. Unfortunately AA is not a charity and does not accept donations, so I am wanting to raise funds that will go directly to those in desperate need and have no access to help. Not to contribute to some charity directors wages or to fund more studies that produce statistics - real life action is what is needed! Half of the funds raised will also go to NACOA - a charity that supports the needs of children affected by a parent’s addictions. https://nacoa.org.uk/about-nacoa/

If you know anyone who would benefit from the donations I raise please get in touch, whether that maybe contributing to therapy, counselling, rehab fees etc. The sheer frustration at the lack of organisations is what has led me to embark on this journey so any donations you can offer will mean the world.

If you or a family member need support with a loved ones addiction, my mom and myself found a wonderful family support group for addicts based at SIAS in Marston Green every Thursday at 6pm. We are forever grateful for their kind words and hugs of support when there seemed to be no light at the end of the tunnel for my sister ❤️

My sister is now 11 months sober and has her life back with the help of AA and love and support of our family (some arent so lucky). If anyone you know is battling this disease or are struggling and wants to chat/vent or even set up a charity that can provide real action to those suffering, holla at me!