200 toddlers treated for drink or drug addictions

MORE than 200 children aged under three have been referred to specialists in alcohol and drug addiction in the last year.

The toddlers are among more than 2,000 youngsters – including unborn babies – in Scotland who have needed rehabilitation-style help from the NHS.

The vulnerable under-threes had to have expert help after being exposed to substance abuse by relatives.

The youngest child to be referred for alcohol abuse was a five-year-old in Stirling, while an eight-year-old from was found to be misusing drugs.

Thousands of children are at risk of becoming addicted to alcohol and substances, with 2,425 under16s being referred for help.

The figures show a 14 per cent rise on the previous year.

Scottish Labour justice spokesman Hugh Henry, MSP, said: ‘It’s worrying that so many under-16s are being referred. This is a wakeup call to everyone with responsibility for young people.’

Last year Fife Council sent 546 children for help, while East Lothian referred 70 youngsters.

Campaigners have blamed readily available, cheap alcohol for the ‘worrying’ figures.

Barbara O’Donnell of charity Alcohol Focus Scotland said around 51,000 children in Scotland live with parents addicted to alcohol. She said: ‘We must take action on the price, availability and marketing of alcohol.’