Specialist addiction treatment 'essential' for young people

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by Change | 23 Jan 2009

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Specialist services targeted at helping young people overcome drug addiction problems are the most effective, a charity claims.

rehab clinics must provide age-appropriate support if they are to effectively treat young people with addiction problems, a charity asserts.

Martin Barnes, chief executive of DrugScope, says it is especially vital support is offered quickly, within at least three weeks of referral.

Commenting on recent figures from the National Treatment Agency for Substance Misuse (NTA) which show the number of under-18s receiving help has increased, he says the results show there is still some way to go.

The chief executive acknowledges the fact a number of young people will continue to need rehab centre treatment, as well as help in tackling any issues which have led them to develop these dependencies.

Mr Barnes says the period in which teenagers are no longer eligible for specialist youth services is particularly challenging.

"The transition to adult treatment can be difficult and this should be addressed as young people's services continue to improve," he states.

Figures published by the NTA show 23,905 under-18s received substance abuse counselling during 2008, with more than half seeking help for cannabis addiction.

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