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Special treatment centres in Wales are dealing with drug and alcohol abuse in children as young as 11, according to Wales on Sunday.

In a number of centres across the country, the Safer Under 18s Drink and Drugs Service (Suds), offers support for young people affected by the problem.

GPs, schools and youth offending services refer youngsters to the project, which sees 11 staff counselling and supporting children and teenagers, focusing on a "self-harm reduction" strategy.

The participants are encouraged to raise their self-esteem and self-awareness.

Suds covers Carmarthenshire, Ceredigion and Pembrokeshire as part of the Welsh Assembly Government's Substance Misuse Action plan fund.

Menna Boyns of the publicly-funded organization told the paper: "The only reason alcohol is not seen as a Class A drug, or treated as such, is because of the way it is such an integral part of our culture and our heritage."

Campaigners are now calling for more research into why young people turn to alcohol.

Clare Checksfield, chief executive of crime prevention charity Crime Concern, said: "It would be refreshing to see some discussion of why young people drink and what can be done about it."

Last week the Conservative Party proposed increased taxes on alcoholic drinks favoured by young people including alcopops.

Article published on 11/03/2008 by DryOutNow.com

DryOutNow.com provides highly practical help for people with alcohol problems, their friends and relatives. DryOutNow.com also provides free resources for healthcare professionals such as medical information and alcohol treatment guidelines.

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