‘Free and impartial’ addiction helplines paid secret commission by rehabs

Advertising regulator reprimands services that claim to offer unbiased advice but then direct people to partner facilities

Helplines that claim to offer free" and impartial" addiction support have been reprimanded by the advertising watchdog for hiding the fact they are paid thousands in commission by private rehabilitation clinics.

Amid record drug death rates and high demand for services, one website is promising free, impartial, expert" advice for those trying to find the best treatment.