As we enter into Addiction Awareness Week, it’s a critical time to reflect on the journey we’ve been on as a community and the immense challenges we continue to face in the battle against addiction.
In the past three years, we’ve taken monumental steps towards ensuring that those affected by addiction are not just seen, but truly heard. I am incredibly proud to share that FAVOR UK, through its first-ever national addiction advocacy service, has become a beacon of hope for so many - making real, measurable change. Our three-year report tells the story of resilience, determination, and the power of lived experience in reshaping the landscape of recovery from addiction.
The Power of Advocacy
Launched in October 2021, our advocacy service was born out of necessity. We saw the glaring gaps in the support systems for individuals and families affected by substance use. Time and time again, people were slipping through the cracks - denied access to life-saving treatment or left without a clear understanding of their rights. It was clear that something needed to change, and FAVOR UK stepped forward to be that change. Over the past three years, our small but mighty team has supported hundreds of individuals across Scotland. From securing residential rehabilitation placements to navigating the complex web of statutory services, our advocacy work has provided a lifeline to those who felt abandoned by the system. We’ve worked tirelessly to ensure that every individual, regardless of their background or circumstances, has the opportunity to pursue recovery and reclaim their lives. Our three-year report highlights the incredible successes we've achieved - securing rehab placements for those who had been denied time and again, challenging inadequate responses from services, and holding systems accountable when they failed the people they were meant to serve. This work hasn’t been easy, but it has been essential. Advocacy is about standing up for those who cannot stand up for themselves, and it’s a role we embrace wholeheartedly.
The Right to Recovery Bill: A Crucial Turning Point
Our advocacy work has brought us face-to-face with the systemic barriers that keep people trapped in cycles of addiction. One of the most significant challenges is the lack of access to rehabilitation services. For far too long, individuals seeking recovery have been met with endless waiting lists, insufficient funding, and bureaucratic red tape. The Right to Recovery Bill, which we have written and are championing, aims to change that. The Right to Recovery Bill is a groundbreaking piece of legislation designed to enshrine in law the right for individuals to access treatment and rehabilitation when they need it. This bill is about more than just policy - it’s about dignity, fairness, and the recognition that every person deserves the chance to recover. It’s a bold step towards ensuring that no one is denied the support they need, and it reflects the hard-earned lessons of our advocacy work. The fight for this bill is deeply personal. We’ve seen too many lives lost and too many families torn apart because access to recovery was a privilege rather than a right. This must change. The Right to Recovery Bill will ensure that no individual is left behind, no matter where they live or what their circumstances are. It’s about giving people the opportunity to rebuild their lives with the support of a system that truly works for them, not against them.
A Future Built on Recovery
As we look ahead, our commitment to this cause is stronger than ever. Addiction Awareness Week is a reminder of the work that still needs to be done, but it is also a celebration of how far we’ve come. The progress we’ve made through our advocacy service and the introduction of the Right to Recovery Bill is a testament to the power of collective action. Together, we are shifting the narrative around addiction from one of stigma and shame to one of hope and possibility. Recovery is not a one-size-fits-all journey. It’s deeply personal, and it requires a system that is flexible, compassionate, and equipped to meet the unique needs of every individual. FAVOR UK will continue to lead the charge, advocating for those who are still fighting to be heard and pushing for systemic change that makes recovery accessible to all.
This Addiction Awareness Week, I urge you to join us in our mission. Speak up for those who cannot, support those in recovery, and stand with us as we fight for the Right to Recovery. Together, we can create a future where recovery is not just possible but guaranteed.