Hundreds of children have been hospitalised in Tayside and Fife over the last two years for drug and alcohol misuse.
Disturbing NHS data reveals that nearly 600 youngsters in the area – including dozens of toddlers – needed emergency treatment after being harmed by drink and substances.
The figures include those who overdosed or accidentally poisoned themselves, as well as those involved in incidents like drink-drive crashes.
The Scottish Liberal Democrats, which obtained the figures from health boards, accused the SNP Government of failing to get a grip on Scotland’s drink and drugs problems.
Ministers hit back saying they have an “ambitious programme” for teaching young people about the risks of substance misuse.