Seek Help, Pleads Kate As Addiction To Alcohol And Gambling Rocket

The Duchess of Cambridge has urged people struggling with addiction to seek help after research found drinking and gambling soaring during lockdown.

- Richard Palmer

One in four UK adults is drinking more alcohol as a result of the crisis, a YouGov poll carried out for charity Action on Addiction found.

And, of those, 15 per cent said they has problems with relationships, work, sleep, money, or physical symptoms as a result of their increased boozing.

Almost a quarter of those suffering said they needed help, while 39 per cent of those in recovery from addiction reported a relapse.

In addition, four per cent reported a rise in online gambling and a similar proportion said they knew someone aged between 12 and 25 showing a rise in addictive behaviour during lockdown.

Experts believe a combination of isolation, boredom and anxiety may have led to an increase in problems. They have warned charities to brace themselves for a wave of addicts seeking help when the crisis is over.

Kate, 38, became patron of Action on Addiction in 2012, after deciding the problem was the root of many miseries.

Last week she made a video call to the charity’s Clouds House rehabilitation centre in East Knoyle, Wiltshire, from her family’s home at Anmer Hall in Norfolk to talk to staff about how they have taken their services online.

She discussed fears that more people will need treatment as Covid-19 restrictions ease.

She said: “The worrying thing is, it is all those people who aren’t necessarily reaching out who are struggling, who perhaps don’t feel they can reach out.