HEROIN dependence is the most common addiction among teenagers being treated by Swindon council's youth drug and alcohol abuse service.
More than half of the 30 youngsters currently being seen by U-Turn are hooked on heroin.
But the true number could be much higher, according to those that run the service.
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Drug abuse among children is just one of the topics that will be discussed at a special conference designed to identify the risks and dangers posed to Swindon's young people.
The Local Children Safeguarding Board's (LSCB) conference, which is being held at the University of Bath's Oakfield campus tomorrow, will also be highlighting issues such as alcohol abuse, underage sex, child trafficking and online safety.
But drug addiction will come high on the agenda.
Fifty-three per cent of children being treated by U-Turn are addicted to heroin, while 31 per cent are trying to wean themselves off cannabis.
A further 10 per cent are struggling with alcohol dependency.
Jean Pollard, chairwoman of LSCB's management group, said the numbers mask an underlying problem.
"There could be a larger group out there with problems to do with drugs and alcohol abuse, who are not getting the help they need," Ms Pollard said.
"Getting youngsters to access the services that could help them is a key point for the conference.
Esther Schmidt, manager of U-Turn said: "We work with young people who are starting to face problems due to their addiction.
"Last year we treated 64 young people and had an equal number of boys and girls.
"The youngest child we've treated has been 14 years old.
"There are a number of children out there but most won't come here because they are still able to go to school and lead regular lives.
"With drugs like heroin, you can see the effects quicker.
"Children with a heroin addiction are more likely to have dropped out of school."
A number of keynote speakers are set to address tomorrow's conference and Ms Pollard is hopeful their input will play an important role in protecting Swindon's youngsters.
"Teenage pregnancy rates in Swindon are falling and trafficking isn't a current issue but it's a national phenomenon and we should be prepared just in case," she said.
"Online safety is also becoming more important as kids start accessing the internet through phones and other mediums.
"Parents can't always keep an eye on them.
"The purpose of the conference is to bring together professionals from a number of fields who deal with the issue of safeguarding children.
"The advantage of having so many different groups together will be the exchanging of ideas. It's important for us to get together with those in the front line with these kids because they will be the best people to determine what will work and what won't."
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