They turned my model girl into a monster

JUST a few months ago Zoey was a model pupil, achieving good grades and taking part in school plays. Then the 14-yearold was introduced to Xanax by a friend – and the drug destroyed her world.

The problems started last summer when Zoey struck up a friendship with an older girl at her school in North London.

Her mother Michaela, 49, said: ‘Once she tried to jump out of a first-floor window just so she could meet someone who was supplying her with Xanax. I was afraid I was going to lose her.’

Michaela frequently found Zoey in a zombie-like state, she started disappearing at night, and when the Xanax wore off, Zoey became violent and aggressive. Michaela recalled: ‘She punched me, kicked me, slapped me, threw things at me, pulled my hair.’

Zoey was arrested for assault and her behaviour spiralled as she took to a new lifestyle of raves and almost daily Xanax, stealing from her mother to fund the habit.

Michaela, a PA at a legal firm, believes drug dealers were ‘grooming’ Zoey for the illegal trade – and possibly sexually exploiting her too.

Following pressure from Michaela and her MP, Bambos Charalambous, in December police arrested three people on drugs charges. Warnings were issued to six people, ordering them not to approach Zoey.

Michaela believes Zoey still might occasionally be taking the drug. She said: ‘Most people know nothing about Xanax – but they need to.’ Names have been changed.