27-year-old’s addiction to drug-laced vapes leads to abuse, suicide attempts, and mental deterioration
A Singaporean mother’s nightmare unfolded when her 27-year-old son, addicted to drug-laced “Kpod” vapes, turned violent and suicidal. Her emotional and physical ordeal sheds light on a disturbing trend affecting Singapore’s youth.
Addiction Uncovered: A Mother’s Discovery
In October 2024, a 56-year-old Singaporean woman began noticing erratic behaviour in her son—he staggered, trembled, and quit his job at a milk tea shop without notice. Concerned, she searched his room and found “Kpod” vape cartridges—e-cigarettes laced with dangerous substances like ketamine or etomidate. These vapes, known for their hallucinogenic and sedative effects, are spreading rapidly among youth aged 13 to 34, according to counsellors from WE CARE rehabilitation centre.
Violent Outbursts And Suicide Attempts
On November 18, 2024, when she confronted him about the drugs, he threatened to take his own life and was sent briefly to the Institute of Mental Health. The next day, he attempted to jump from a living room window. In trying to stop him, his mother was strangled and had her head slammed against a wall. A second suicide attempt from the corridor followed, during which he fought off her and even threatened a 70-year-old neighbour. CCTV footage captured him trying to climb over a railing before collapsing from exhaustion.
Legal Action And Treatment
Traumatised and physically injured, the mother applied for a Personal Protection Order and petitioned the court to enforce a year-long mandatory treatment program starting May 30, 2025. By February, his condition seemed to improve—no tremors or instability. However, she suspected the improvement was linked to his inability to afford more “Kpods.”
Relapse And Continued Struggle
On June 19, he claimed he was meeting a friend to buy a keyboard. Trusting his recent behaviour, she gave him S$10. Hours later, he was still out. He later left again, claiming to buy coffee. She found out he had sold the keyboard and spent S$77—presumably on vapes. Now, she hides her wallet and provides exact change for essentials. Her son has also borrowed from loan sharks, and she has repaid S$4,000 to date.
Addiction’s Roots And Ongoing Despair
The addiction may have started earlier than she knew—at a nightclub, where his cousin introduced him to “Kpods” to help with insomnia. Now, he eats only once a day, responds incoherently, and cannot identify people at the door. “I am living a life worse than death every day,” the mother said, adding that she hopes sharing her experience will urge other parents to act quickly if something seems wrong.
This harrowing case highlights the devastating personal impact of Singapore’s growing “Kpod” crisis. It underscores the need for parents, educators, and authorities in both Singapore and Indonesia to recognize the signs early and intervene decisively. Addiction, if left unchecked, can destroy not just the user—but the lives of those who love them.
Sources: Mothership (2025) , Must Share News (2025)
Keywords: Kpod Addiction, Singapore Drugs, Family Abuse, Vape Crisis, Mental Health, Suicide Attempt
