Young people’s drug and alcohol treatment at the crossroads: what it’s for, where it’s at and how to make it even better.

Abstract

This report considers the state of current provision for young people and young adults who need help for substance misuse problems in the United Kingdom. The report draws on feedback from over 150 professionals and young drug and alcohol service users. Key issues highlighted by our consultations included the growing range of drugs younger people are using (such as cannabis, alcohol, cocaine, ketamine and mephedrone) and services’ readiness to tackle a polydrug culture that includes substances that may be new to the scene. Transitions between under-18s and adult services were of significant concern, with many young adults of 18 or over unwilling or unable to get the help they need from adult services.