Who Is Hannah Viney? Meet the Woman Removing the Stigma Around Addiction

Addiction is one of the most complex and misunderstood conditions that can affect anyone, regardless of background, age, or circumstances.

Despite widespread awareness campaigns, a cloud of stigma still surrounds addiction, often leading to isolation, shame, and reluctance to seek help. However, some individuals are passionately working to change and challenge these harmful perceptions. One such individual is Hannah Viney.

In this article, we take a closer look at who Hannah Viney is and explore how she is leading the charge in removing the stigma that so often hinders people from accessing the help they need.

A Personal Connection to Addiction

Hannah Viney’s journey to becoming a leading advocate for those affected by addiction didn’t begin in the most traditional sense. Her passion for helping those suffering from addiction stems directly from her personal experiences and battle.

Her experience with addiction began at the age of 20 when she moved from Oxfordshire to London. It was there that she was first introduced to cocaine.

Initially, her use was social, but over time it escalated. She found that cocaine helped quiet the noise in her head caused by ADHD, which made it more so appealing to her. What started as occasional use with others quickly spiralled into a destructive pattern, where she began scheduling her weekends around drug use, then progressed to using alone, and eventually found herself using at inappropriate times and places. By the peak of her addiction, she was using cocaine four to five times a week.

The turning point came after a series of devastating events, including a car accident, the breakdown of a relationship, and a dangerous four-day bender that she was “lucky to survive.” Hannah later went on to hit rock bottom and recognised that she needed to make a change. She moved back in with her family and committed herself to recovery through a fellowship programme. It was this commitment that helped her confront her addiction head-on and begin her journey toward sobriety.

Many individuals might shy away from discussing their own struggles with addiction. Hannah has used her story as a platform to highlight the realities of the condition and the importance of removing the shame that often accompanies it. She has openly stated that when she was going through active addiction, she didn’t see any women speaking about it and that it might have helped her if there had been.

Hannah has since become increasingly aware of how society views addiction, with many seeing it as a moral failing or a sign of weakness rather than a medical condition or an illness. Along with her wanting to document her journey and take accountability in her recovery, this realisation became a driving force in her desire to start her social channels, help remove the stigma surrounding addiction, enabling others to seek help without fear of judgment or discrimination.

The Mission to Educate, Advocate & Break Down the Stigma

One of the most significant barriers to recovery for many individuals suffering from addiction is the stigma that surrounds it. Stigma can take many forms, from societal judgement to internalised shame, and it often prevents people from seeking help or even acknowledging their addiction.

By sharing her own story and speaking openly about addiction, she has become a powerful voice for those who feel voiceless. She’s been able to grow an audience of over 145k followers on TikTok, as well as thousands on Instagram, and frequently participates in discussions with people who comment and others who have been on a similar journey. These platforms, along with her podcast, are where she encourages open, unapologetically conversations about addiction, not just as a public health issue but as a personal experience that affects real people with real people, families, dreams, and aspirations.

A key part of Hannah’s work is focused on normalising addiction. By addressing people’s questions and the myths about addiction being a moral failing, she has created an environment in which people feel safe enough to seek help without fear of judgement.

One of the key aspects of Hannah’s mission is education. In an interview with the BBC, her podcast, which talks about the complex nature of addiction, was listened to over 12 million times over a 3-month period. Her podcast, Class A People, has also recently been placed at number 3 in the charts under top education podcasts.

By opening up the conversation on addiction and informing people about the physiological, psychological, and social aspects of addiction, there’s hope to challenge deeply ingrained misconceptions and encourage a more empathetic approach to those in need of help.

Redefining Recovery: It’s About More Than Just Sobriety

Another key aspect of Hannah’s work is her belief that addiction recovery goes way beyond simply achieving sobriety. For many, the road to recovery is a lifelong journey that involves ongoing support, self-discovery, and personal growth. Recovery isn’t and never has been just about overcoming the addiction itself. It’s also about rebuilding your life, repairing relationships, and learning new coping strategies for dealing with life’s challenges.

Hannah stresses that recovery should be viewed as a positive and empowering process rather than something to be feared or ashamed of. People in recovery are taking charge of their lives and making proactive choices to live healthier and more fulfilling lives. By changing the narrative around recovery, she hopes to encourage more people to embrace the idea that they can create a future free from addiction and filled with new possibilities.

The Future of Addiction Advocacy

The work that Hannah Viney is doing is fantastic, but it’s only beginning to scratch the surface of what needs to be done to remove the stigma around addiction. As more and more people start to understand the complex nature of addiction, the more we will see a shift in attitudes and increased support for those who are struggling.

Along with her podcast, Hannah continues to utilise social media platforms such as Instagram and TikTok to connect with people and share her recovery journey in real time, engaging with a broad audience and normalising conversations about addiction. Her openness has really resonated with many, leading to thousands of followers and millions of views, indicating a growing public interest in understanding and addressing addiction.

Looking ahead, the future of addiction advocacy will likely involve more individuals like Hannah, who use digital platforms to share personal stories and resources. This approach not only humanises the experience of addiction but also provides accessible support to those who may feel isolated in their struggles.

Much work remains to be done. But as these conversations become more mainstream, they contribute to a cultural shift towards empathy and informed support for individuals facing addiction challenges.

The Key Takeaways

Hannah Viney and the work she continues to do is making a big impact on how we view and respond to addiction. Through her personal experiences, tireless advocacy, and commitment to education, she is helping to remove the stigma that surrounds addiction, enabling more people to seek the support they need to recover.

As the stigma around addiction continues to lift, it is people like Hannah Viney who will continue to inspire and educate others, ensuring that addiction treatment becomes more accessible, compassionate, and inclusive.

The journey to recovery may be long and challenging, but with advocates like Hannah, there is hope for a future where addiction is understood, respected, and supported rather than judged and feared.

If you or someone you love is struggling with addiction, reach out to our friendly and compassionate team today.