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Substance misuse services work

Substance misuse services work
9 January 2015



A report showing the effectiveness of substance misuse services for young people has been released by Public Health England (PHE).

A report showing the effectiveness of substance misuse services for young people has been released by Public Health England (PHE).

The report, Specialist substance misuse treatment for young people in England 2013-14 (italics) shows that support from local authorities is having a significantly positive impact on the number of young people with substance misuse problems.

In 2013-2014 there were 19,126 young people using these services, a decrease from the 20,032 treated in 2012-2013, and it's the lowest figure in four years.

The number of young people with heroine as their primary substance fell to 160 in comparison to 881 in 2005-2006.

The report concluded: “Young people’s specialist substance misuse services need to remain responsive to emerging trends in drug use among young people. They must also continue to offer age-appropriate interventions, provided by staff who are competent to work with children and young people.

"These these services are only part of the support structure these young people need. Access to universal and targeted services, particularly for those vulnerable young people who are at greatest risk of developing problems, is vital if they are going to be able to get the help they need.

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