“Drug deaths are getting younger” was the headline last week after the Ministry of Health presented its latest drug report. An 18-year-old Viennese woman on trial for attempted robbery has lost two of her best friends to drug abuse. In the sad trial, the focus is not on the verdict. But take care of the addicted girl.
Statistics are one thing, the faces and stories behind the numbers are another. A few days after the Ministry of Health presented the current drug report, an 18-year-old girl was brought before the Vienna Regional Court in handcuffs.
Father threatened to kill
Verena (name changed) must answer before the jury for various thefts and attempted robberies. “She stole perfume from drugstores to finance her addiction,” the prosecutor begins. The teenager has been heavily addicted to drugs since she was sixteen. When her father withdrew financial support from her, she went to his apartment on October 10, 2023, angrily kicked the door and raged aggressively: “If you don’t give me money, I will kill you,” she shouted. Out of fear for his own daughter, the man called 911 that evening.
During the thefts, Verena was with her friend, who was also addicted – and has since died of an overdose. “It touched me when I read in the file that Naomi (name changed) has passed away. Years ago she also sat in front of me. “As a defendant and as a witness, experienced juvenile judge Daniela Forcedleitner is shocked.
“Great concern that she will use again”
“Two friends died,” the 18-year-old confirms in a soft voice. In court she admits: “I only said I was going to kill him because I was impulsive. I’m not a murderer.’
The young woman makes an intelligent impression. Her subordinate clauses suggest bad childhood experiences. She admits: “I had strong thoughts of suicide. Now I feel better. Prison was good for me. I decided to go to Carinthia for therapy. I was promised a permanent place.” She could start next week. But until then, what happens when she is released after the trial?
A social worker from the shared apartment where Verena lived before her arrest spoke with concern: “We are very concerned that she will go back out and start using,” and she sees a seamless transition to therapy as appropriate. However, there is no possibility to immediately pick up young people and guide them to intramural drug treatment. A loophole in the law?
Judge: “Number of drug deaths at record high”
“Until then, there will be no more availability,” warns Ms. Rat as she gives a conditional instruction for inpatient care at the therapy center in Carinthia, in addition to six months.
“Just a few days ago it was reported that drug deaths had reached a record high… If they don’t do it now, I’m afraid it will have a sad ending. Now it’s in your hands. “Make something of your life,” Forceleitner says to the Viennese woman on her way to freedom. “Anyway, I want to thank you for the opportunity,” Verena replies. Only time will tell whether she will be able to take advantage of this. Maybe even in the next few hours.
Source: Krone
I am Wallace Jones, an experienced journalist. I specialize in writing for the world section of Today Times Live. With over a decade of experience, I have developed an eye for detail when it comes to reporting on local and global stories. My passion lies in uncovering the truth through my investigative skills and creating thought-provoking content that resonates with readers worldwide.
