Drug addictions 'surging among young'

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by Change | 7 Jul 2009

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New figures from the National Treatment Agency for Substance Misuse have revealed the extent of drug and alcohol addiction problems among young people in the UK.

drug addiction among young people is becoming an increasing problem as new figures have revealed that 11,294 under-16s received addiction treatment for drug and alcohol problems during 2008

Figures released by the National Treatment Agency for Substance Misuse show 57 of those children being treated for alcohol addiction were under the age of 12.

Meanwhile, over 100 under-12s were receiving addiction treatment for problems with cannabis, the figures revealed.

Andrew Lansley, the shadow health secretary, called on the government to make a greater effort to deal with the problem and to reduce the number of young people seeking out rehab clinics for treatment.

"Many young people unintentionally put themselves at risk when they drink alcohol and it is crucial that young people are given the facts about drinking and its effects," said Chris Sorek, chief executive of Drinkaware.

The figures follow last week's discovery from the Trading Standards Institute that many young people are consuming dangerous quantities of alcohol on a weekly basis.

While the survey found fewer youngsters are drinking on a weekly basis, those that do tend to be consuming more than in the past, meaning they are at risk of needing addiction treatment at a young age.

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