The guidance has been issued by the NHS's National Treatment Agency for Substance Misuse and offers advice on carrying out an assessment of local needs.
This emphasises the importance of trusts and councils working in partnership to ensure that hard-to-reach young people with drugs problems are pinpointed and targeted with support.
It also calls for an expert group to be set up to spearhead the work, involving groups such as child and adolescent mental health services and young offending teams.
The guidance also outlines the importance of a smooth transition between children's and adult services when dealing with young people who have drug problems.
This aspect has been particularly welcomed by DrugScope chief executive Martin Barnes.
"The process of client transition from young people's to adult treatment services is a concern in some areas, highlighting the need for greater clarity around procedures and support," he said.
The guidance can be found at http://www.nta.nhs.uk/areas/young_people/young_people_treatment_planning.aspx
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