'I was stuck in addiction to energy drinks' – teen

A BOY whose family were so worried about his addiction to energy drinks that they took him to the doctors has said he’s now finally “weaning himself off” the sugary highs with the help of mental health support.

- TAITE JOHNSON

Roman Freeman, now 15, was just 12 when his parents took him to his GP over the addiction and he's still receiving support from the children’s charity Barnardo's.

Roman, from Ely, Cardiff, said his family first noticed differences in his behaviour such as his crippling addiction to energy drinks three years ago. He said his addiction was so bad he felt it had left him “stuck”.

He said he and his family are “certain” he has autism, but a lack of a diagnosis has posed difficult challenges.

“When I was 12 it was hard for me because I was addicted to energy drinks,” he said.

“I’m still working through it, I only have one a month now, weaning myself off.

“I started going to Barnardo's because it was a way for me to get out of the house and keep me busy. Keeping myself busy and distracted keeps me from doing things I don’t want to.

“It’s the highlight of my week. Barnardo's have helped me socialise and make me more of a people person. It has also helped me read people's mannerisms.”