Esti Matthee (photo: left), a dedicated mother and wife from Stellenbosch, overcame years of methamphetamine addiction, commonly known as tik, through a transformative experience at Pines Clinic in Worcester. Her journey of recovery began after a long battle with substance abuse that started at the young age of 12.
“I started experimenting with drugs at age 12, which eventually led to heroin use later in life,” Esti recalls. “But it was my addiction to tik that led to my lowest point in life.” Although she only experimented with methamphetamine once, it was enough to hook her for eight years.
Living a life of secrecy, Esti’s addiction spiralled into years of deception and lies, ultimately bringing her to rock bottom. “I was at a place in my life where I seriously considered suicide, but the thought of my almost two-year-old daughter encouraged me to get help. I decided to book myself into Pines Clinic for addiction treatment,” she remembers.
This stint at Pines Clinic was not Esti’s first attempt at rehabilitation. However, this time, she was determined to change her life for her daughter’s sake. “At previous rehab facilities, I would lie and manipulate myself out of treatment, but this time, something just clicked,” she confesses.
Esti found solace at Pines Clinic, where the welcoming environment and supportive staff felt more like a hotel than a hospital. “The people were extremely friendly and comforting,” she says. A pivotal part of her recovery was the mentorship of social worker Frances Bantom (photo: right), who continues to support her.
Since completing her treatment, Esti has achieved significant milestones, including earning an Addiction Counsellor Certification from ACCSA and a Certificate in Polyvagal Therapy with horses. She now leads monthly motivational sessions for patients at Pines Clinic, sharing her story and insights.
“The life skills I learned during treatment helped me to reintegrate into society and eventually give back to the community,” Esti admits. Her advice to those battling addiction is to fully commit to the treatment program and absorb its teachings. She also encourages building a relationship with God for the strength needed to recover and stresses the importance of following the psychiatrist’s prescribed medication regimen.
Having been sober for six years, Esti dreams of offering Equine-Assisted Therapy on a farm, utilising horses to help others heal. Life Path Health celebrates her achievements and shares in her hopes for a bright future filled with helping others.
For those seeking recovery from addiction, Esti’s story stands as a powerful testament to the possibility of change and the importance of support, determination, and faith.
Treatment is available at the following hospitals:
Pines Clinic in Worcester
Claro Clinic in Cape Town
West Beach Clinic in Cape Town
Call or WhatsApp the 24/7 Helpline on 072 7900 506 for immediate assistance.
