The number of young people requiring specialist drug support services has been declining steadily in recent years. Much of this drop has been attributed to educating young people on the issue; identifying the early signs of drug misuse; preventing escalation; and referrals onto intensive services when necessary.
But a report by the UK Drug Policy Commission is warning that the services fulfilling exactly those functions are being destabilised by public sector reform and budget cuts, arguing that young people are missing out on support as a result.
It claims that a gap in education and a lack of positive activities for young people could result in more teenagers experimenting with drugs, as “localism and austerity” shake up education, health, youth services and the youth justice system.
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