A disturbing report reveals major gaps in the addiction care system for young people, as families denounce inadequate support in the face of pressure from drug dealers.
A BBC investigation has uncovered a silent crisis in the United Kingdom: among the 16,000 children who received treatment for drug or alcohol addiction in 2023, more than half were under the age of 15. This alarming statistic highlights a growing trend of substance use becoming normalized among very young adolescents.
A coroner’s report, following the death of a teenager in 2020, points to “critical gaps” in access to care. Parents describe a fragmented system, with regional disparities and a glaring lack of state-funded residential rehabilitation centres for minors. These facilities, crucial for severe cases, are virtually nonexistent for young people.
The mother of the deceased teen shared her frustration: “A drugs worker every two weeks can’t compete with the constant pressure from dealers.” Her testimony reflects the sense of helplessness experienced by many families facing a system that struggles to respond to urgent needs.
Experts are calling for urgent reforms: the creation of specialized youth centres, increased budgets for prevention, and greater support for families. While drug dealers increasingly target adolescents, institutional responses remain largely out of touch with the reality on the ground.
References:BBC News. (2025). More than half of child addicts treated are under 15. https://www.bbc.com