UK youths: grieving mothers call for safe spaces as under-18 drug treatment gaps widen

BBC investigators find rising numbers of under-18s seeking drug and alcohol treatment in the UK, but there are no state-run specialist residential facilities for under-18s and only a few beds in private facilities, with care often fragmented across services. Three mothers, whose sons died from addiction, blame the lack of coordinated support and funding for preventable deaths. Experts urge a national strategy, more residential beds, and earlier intervention, while funding is promised through the Public Health Grant, highlighting a postcode lottery in access to treatment.