The Hidden Harm report, which is presented as the first of its kind in the world, estimates parental drug misuse affects between two and three per cent of all under 16-year-olds in England and Wales, and six per cent of young people in Scotland.
The council, which was set up under the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971, found that the children of drug-using parents face physical and psychological harm, often have to fend for themselves and, in some cases, look after their parents and siblings.
But the council has called for more work by the Government.
Dr Laurence Gruer, chairman of the council's prevention working group, said that at-risk children should be a main aim of Government drug policy and suggested that child protection agencies, GPs and education bodies needed to work in a "joined-up way, so signs are not overlooked".
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