Over 400 kids received substance abuse treatment in Gateshead since 2021
Over 400 under 18s have received treatment in Gateshead for substance abuse issues since 2021. Cannabis, alcohol, and nicotine remain the most common causes of concern in the area.
Gateshead Council’s young people’s treatment and recovery service has seen 405 children and youths referred to its team since 2021/22. The largest source of referrals for treatment are made from the Queen Elizabeth Hospital.
The total number of referrals per year are as follows:
2021/22: 120
2022/23: 145
2023/24: 140
Between 2021 and 2024, the number of those aged 14-15 receiving substance abuse help has steadily increased, whereas kids aged 16-17 have remained “relatively stable”.
Regarding the work done by the service, the report states: “The number of young people who drop out of treatment in Gateshead is relatively low. It is important to note that those young people that successfully complete treatment are not always substance-free and may continue occasional use.
“This is particularly common with substances such as alcohol, nicotine and cannabis, as many young people are not ready to stop entirely. Treatment is considered successful when young people achieve the goals and outcomes they have set in their care plan, such as reducing their substance use and improving overall wellbeing.”
The service, run by Change Grow Live, offers one-to-one specialist support to children and young people (up to 25 years old for those with learning difficulties). Specialist support is also offered to support children and young people aged between 5-18 who are affected by parental drug use of alcohol problems.
The service also does outreach throughout a number of schools and has provided advice and guidance to over 2,300 people, including professionals, young people and parents, in 2024/25 alone.