Parents have called for more rehab facilities to be made available for under-18s amid a surge in drug use.
The number of children seeking help for drug addiction increased by 13 per cent in 2024-25, but there are no state-run specialist facilities for under-18s and only a few private centres are available at high costs.
Of the 16,000 minors receiving treatment for drug and alcohol abuse, data shows that over half are 15 or under.
‘He never felt safe’
Nicola was quoted £23,000 for a private rehab placement for her son Alfie, and was still saving to afford it when he died.
She explained that an adult rehab centre called her on Alfie’s 18th birthday: “They said they had a bed for him if we still wanted it, but he’d already died.”
Kate described how her son Ben, who died at 16, saw a drugs worker once a fortnight but was inundated with adverts and messages from dealers. She said: “He needed a residential place because he never felt safe, we couldn’t make him safe.”
Proper care
Olly died at 17 after developing an addiction from cheap drugs bought on the internet. His mum Anita said: “He wouldn’t have relapsed if he’d had proper care, detox and counselling all at the same time – he could have got better.”
She said: “There are more children like Olly and to know your child is safe and not going to die in front of you, to know they’ll be cared for and go through a proper withdrawal programme would mean so much to parents.
“It would save those children.”
‘Extra mile’
In Greater Manchester, the Care Quality Commission (CQC) has given a rehab centre an ‘outstanding’ rating for helping people struggling with addiction.
The CQC Deputy Director of Mental Health in the north, Craig Howarth, said he “saw staff go the extra mile to ensure people could carry on with their lives. For example, some people had been able to return to employment, and they had learnt new skills to move on to independent living.”
Danielle Robinson, Director of Services at Acquiesce Ltd, said she was “thrilled” with the feedback, adding: “Our dedicated team works so hard to create a safe and nurturing environment, enabling individuals to embark on their recovery journeys with confidence.”
There has been a six per cent rise in adults in contact with drug and alcohol treatment services in England between April 2024 and March 2025 compared to the previous year – this marks the highest number since reporting began. The number has increased year on year since 2022.
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