The number of children being treated for addiction to tranquilliser has doubled in a year, according to Public Health England.
The drug Xanax is responsible for the sharp rise; eight children were receiving treatment in 2016-17 but has increased to 53 children in 2017-18.
Ambulance services around the country have also reported the problem and how it is increasing.
In 2017-18 more than 15,500 young people had help for drug misuse, 88% of these young people were needing help for cannabis. Cannabis is the main problem substance, this has been a trend from 2007 to 2008. The numbers have decreased slightly in recent years, but it is still a big problem.
The most common reported problem is alcohol, there were 7,206 young people that received alcohol treatment this year. However, this is a decline from 2008-09 when the number was 16,047.
Xanax is a brand name for the drug alprazolam, a benzodiazepine prescribed for anxiety or panic attacks. Most of the pills that children are taking are copies bought online. The pill slows down the brain, it helps to lower stress, over-excitement and anxiety. Serious side effects can occur, these includes slurring words or blackouts.
UK Addiction Treatment group psychiatrist Dr Durrani says: “We’re seeing more and more people admitting themselves after becoming addicted to benzos.
“In most cases, their misuse stemmed from using the drug recreationally at parties and mixing it with alcohol, which proves a toxic combination.”
The North East Ambulance service said in 2017 they had attended 240 callouts for Xanax abuse by children, two of these were children aged 11.
Drugs, alcohol and tobacco director Rosanna O’Connor says: “Despite fewer under-18s asking for help with drug and alcohol problems, it remains a significant issue and the latest data shows an increasing number of young people needing treatment for benzodiazepines.
“However, there is limited evidence and data for these drugs, so we do not have a clear picture of changes in use.
“Benzodiazepines are risky when taken without medical supervision and mixing them with alcohol or other drugs increases the risk of harm, particularly when mixed with other sedatives.”
Drugs charity Addaction said it is aware of 13-year-olds that are dealing the tranquiliser on school premises.
