Singaporean Man’s Struggle with Drug-Laced Vapes Leads to Family Crisis
A 27-year-old man in Singapore has plunged into a troubling spiral of addiction and violence, primarily due to his use of drug-laced e-vaporisers known as “Kpod” vapes. His mother, who has chosen to remain anonymous, has described her life as “worse than death” since her son became addicted. The situation escalated to the point where he has physically abused her and attempted suicide, highlighting the severe impact of substance abuse on family dynamics.
The mother first noticed alarming changes in her son’s behaviour in October of last year. After quitting his job at a bubble tea shop without notice, he became increasingly withdrawn, spending his days smoking vapes, playing video games, and watching television. Concerned about his erratic behaviour, she searched his room and discovered the vape pods, realising that he had developed a serious addiction, reported Shin Min Daily News.
A Descent into Despair
On November 18, during a confrontation about his vaping, the young man expressed suicidal thoughts. Although he was briefly evaluated at the Institute of Mental Health, he was allowed to return home shortly after. The following day, he attempted to jump out of a window, leading to a physical altercation with his mother. In a moment of desperation, he attacked her, grabbing her by the neck and slamming her head against the wall.
Witnesses, including an elderly couple living nearby, observed the struggle and attempted to intervene. The incident was captured on CCTV, showing the mother desperately trying to restrain her son as he attempted to climb over the balcony. After the police were called, he was detained by the Central Narcotics Bureau, but his mother bailed him out, seeking medical treatment for her injuries.
Seeking Protection and Treatment
In the aftermath of these traumatic events, the mother applied for a Personal Protection Order (PPO) to safeguard herself from her son. She also sought a court mandate for him to undergo a year of treatment, which began on May 30. Initially, there seemed to be signs of improvement; his physical symptoms subsided, and he appeared more stable.
However, the situation took a turn for the worse when the mother suspected he had resumed using vapes. After giving him money for transport, she later discovered he had sold his keyboard to fund his addiction. Alarmingly, he had also borrowed money from loan sharks, which added to the family’s financial strain.
The Heartbreaking Reality of Addiction
The mother revealed that her son had been introduced to vaping by a cousin at a nightclub, initially intended to help him sleep. Now, he struggles with basic tasks, eating only one meal a day and speaking incoherently. His inability to recognise people has left her heartbroken, as she grapples with the reality of her son’s addiction.
In sharing her story, she hopes to raise awareness among parents about the dangers of substance abuse and the importance of seeking help at the first signs of trouble. The devastating impact of addiction not only affects the individual but also reverberates through families, creating a cycle of pain and despair that can be difficult to break.
Image Source: Shin Min Daily News