The NICE guidance calls for better targeting and support of young people at risk of substance misuse to ensure problems do not escalate and bring them into contact with the criminal justice system as they become teenagers.
Councils, which have responsibility for tackling drug abuse as part of their public health remit, are being urged to develop a local strategy to target and support vulnerable young people at risk of addiction.
Support programmes need to be made available swiftly to the young person and have a strong focus on support for their family as well. This should include parental skills training.
Such support should be offered to families of 11- to 16-year-olds at risk of substance abuse in particular.
NICE also wants councils to assess 10- to 12-year-olds with behavioural problems to see if they are at risk of developing a drug problem. Group therapy is among support NICE recommends for this younger age group.
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