Sharp rise in Hampshire kids needing treatment because they're using drugs like ketamine, cocaine and cannabis

Data shows that 175 under-18s were receiving drug treatment in the county in 2024/25, an increase of 20 cases in a single year. In 2023/24, the figure stood at 155.

A total of 100 children in treatment were aged 15 or under, with 20 recorded as being under the age of 14.

For Portsmouth, 50 under-18s recevied drug treatment, up 15 on the previous year, with 30 aged 15 and under and 10 aged under 14.

Boys remain more affected than girls, with 110 males in treatment compared with 70 females.

Cannabis was by far the most common substance, linked to 155 cases. However, alcohol continues to play a significant role, featuring in 55 cases.

Other substances involved recorded include ketamine (25), ecstasy (15), cocaine (10) and benzodiazepines (5) — all of which carry serious risks for young people.

In Portsmouth, cannabis was the most common (45), followed by alcohol (20), ketamine (10), cocaine (5) and ecstasy (5).

The effects are being felt in schools across the county. In the same year, 84 school suspensions were issued in Portsmouth over drugs and alcohol.

Across Hampshire, there were 812 suspensions due to drugs and alcohol - two in primary schools, 755 in secondary schools and 55 at special schools.

Hampshire County Council said public health services are continuing to respond, with specialist support available through a service called Hampshire 24/7, which provides treatment and recovery services for young people as well as support for families.

Residents concerned about their own drinking, or that of a child, are also encouraged to seek advice through services such as Rethink Your Drink, self-referral treatment options, or by speaking to a GP — part of the council’s wider effort to reduce drug and alcohol-related harm across the county.

Hampshire County Council has been contacted for a comment.