Parents have called for more rehab facilities to be made available for under-18s amid a surge in drug use. The number of children seeking help for drug addiction increased by 13 per cent in 2024-25, but there are no state-run specialist facilities for under-18s and only a few private centres are available at high costs. Of the 16,000 minors receiving treatment for drug and alcohol abuse, data shows that over half are 15 or under. ‘He never felt safe’Nicola was quoted £23,000 for a private rehab placement for her son Alfie, and was still saving to afford it when he died. “It would save those children.”‘Extra mile’In Greater Manchester, the Care Quality Commission (CQC) has given a rehab centre an ‘outstanding’ rating for helping people struggling with addiction.