’My son’s a demon’: Mum’s fight continues to save drug addicted teen

A Toowoomba mum is desperate to save her teenaged son who is battling an addiction to hard drugs, after seeking support from almost 30 organisations, to no avail. Full story here.

Exasperated, heartbroken and desperate for help are the best ways to describe the mother of a young teen battling drug addiction.

The Toowoomba woman who The Chronicle’s has chosen to keep anonymous to protect the identity of her 15-year-old son, is calling on parliament to introduce mandatory rehabilitation for adolescents.

It comes after she said her son became addicted to hard drugs including ice, committed several criminal offences and assaulted a security officer when he was admitted to a mental health ward.

The teenager’s mum said she had sought assistance for her son from almost 30 providers, including psychologists, child safety officers, support workers and mental health providers, to no avail.

“I have exhausted every youth and social service that will meet with my child to try and help him understand that he is killing himself,” she said.

“He deserves a chance to be diagnosed and treated for the mental illness that has turned him into a demon … he deserves a chance at a good life where he can be a productive member of society and not a burden on the overloaded system.”

A mother calls for mandatory rehab for teens on drugs. Thursday, February 17, 2022. Picture: Nev Madsen.

Member for Toowoomba North Trevor Watts recently issued a letter on her behalf to the Departments of Health, Children and Youth Justice.

The letter, which was authored by the mother, said she believed families were not equipped to help children battling drug addiction in their own homes.

“I am not alone in wanting our Child Protection Act revised to ensure that all young (people) are adequately protected from physical and mental harm,” she said.

“This cannot continue … this heartbreak happens almost daily to many parents in this country because the legislative process gives no one the authority to lock up children and force them to detox and do rehab for their own good.

“Early intervention against drug abuse is the only solution to lifelong drug and crime issues, but there are no facilities to deal with this appropriately (because) every single drug support program is voluntary.”

Member for Toowoomba North, Trevor Watts.

Mr Watts said he had contacted the departments on the mother’s behalf and asked them “to outline their stance on the matter”.

However, Mr Watts declined to comment on whether or not he supported mandatory rehabilitation for adolescents.

A Queensland Health spokeswoman said the department had received the letter and would respond to the family.

“The Queensland Government recognises the complexity and impact of substance use and mental health issues, particularly for young people and their families,” the spokeswoman said.

“We take these issues very seriously, and Queensland Health will always seek to deliver the best possible outcomes for patients.”

The Chronicle also sought comment from the Minister for Children and Youth Justice Leanne Linard and is waiting for a response.

If you need support, please contact Lifeline on 13 11 14, Drug ARM on 4639 13 13 or the Alcohol and Other Drugs Services on 1800 177 833.