Barnardo's believes there is a growing problem for teenagers

The Gemini project is being run by the charity Barnardo's Scotland.

The project will operate in Peterhead, Inverurie and Portlethen, also offering support to families of children with problems.

Barnardo's said: "Sadly we have realised that there is a growing need to help young people in Aberdeenshire."

'Peer pressure'

The service has been set up because of the demands to help children aged between 12 and 18 overcome their problems with substances.

Hugh Mackintosh, Barnardo's Scotland director, said: "We understand the pressures that young people face today where they may be influenced by their peers to experiment with alcohol or drugs and will not judge young people.

"At Gemini, the staff have a genuine interest, desire and experience to help young people whose substance use has become very problematic.

"Our aim is to work alongside young people by providing support, education, advice and guidance and to help them understand that there may be underlying issues which they need to deal with."

The initiative has been initiated by the Aberdeenshire Alcohol and Drug Action Team (ADAT), in conjunction with Aberdeenshire Council, NHS Grampian and the Lloyds TSB Partnership Drugs Initiative.