Dozens of Lambeth children aged as young as 12 are being treated for addiction to drugs, including cocaine.

Statistics released under the Freedom of Information act show rising numbers of young people aged 12 to 15 are being treated for alcohol and drug addiction.

NHS Lambeth said the majority were treated for cannabis use, but "a very low amount" were treated for other drugs such as cocaine, as well as alcohol misuse.

The figures show 52, 12 to 15-year-olds were treated in 2007-08, 56 in 2008-09 and 46 by the end of 2009.

It is estimated this could rise to 61 when the full statistics for 2009-10 are published later this year. Some 22 were treated for alcohol abuse.

They were referred for treatment by themselves, parents, schools, social workers and outreach programmes.

An NHS Lambeth spokesperson said drug addiction was not a worsening problem among very young people in the borough.

Despite the rising trend among young teenagers in Lambeth, demand for treatment for 16 and 17-year-olds has dropped slightly.

Some 97, 16 to 17-year-olds were treated for drug and alcohol abuse in 2007-08, while by the end of the third quarter of 2009-10, 65 had been given treatment.

A National Treatment Agency spokeswoman said last year across London fewer under 18s went in to specialist services suggesting young people in London were getting the help they need for substance misuse before their problems become entrenched.

An NHS Lambeth spokeswoman said a joint programme existed with Lambeth Council to provide treatment with an emphasis on prevention and early treatment.

A Hidden Harm project also exists to work with parents who are alcohol and drug addicts to minimise their effect on their children.

Pete Robbins, council cabinet member for children and young people, said: "Our programmes are effective and we provide help to a lot of young people.

"However we are not complacent and we continue to train teachers, doctors, social workers and other professionals who work closely with Lambeth's young people so they can identify the signs of drugs or alcohol misuse and refer them to a range of support and treatment, should they need it."

Some 2,810 adults in Lambeth were treated for drug and alcohol addiction in 2008-09. No primary school age children received treatment.