Loufi reveals how he got addicted to Tik
Breakfast with Martin Bester spoke to South African musician Loufi about his struggle with drugs and mental health to create a Safe Space, encouraging other men to seek help and prioritise their mental well-being.
In a recent interview with Martin Bester, South African musician and rapper Loufi shared his journey from being addicted to drugs to self-discovery and sobriety.
Growing up in Gqeberha
Loufi recalled growing up in Gqeberha as an only child and being exceptionally curious.
Growing up in a family where his parents were extremely busy, he was left with a void and searched for a sense of belonging in the streets, where he first experienced Tik and Mandrax.
He vividly remembered how his curiosity led him to experiment with drugs, which quickly spiralled into a two-year struggle.
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With no one to confide in due to societal taboos around drug use, Loufi decided, "If I can't speak about it, I'll just smoke."
This destructive path led him to hit rock bottom.
Turning point
The turning point came when Loufi realised his identity and future were slipping away.
A moment of clarity hit while he was wearing the long johns his “Ouma” had given him, and he realised he had been using drugs for an entire week continuously without realising how much time went by.
"I realised I was losing who I was."
"I found God in that corner and never looked back," shared Loufi, marking the beginning of his road to recovery.
The struggle with relapse and recovery
Even after achieving two and a half years of sobriety, Loufi confronted the persistent challenge of relapse.
He recalled a specific moment when a scent reminded him of Tik; he faced the temptation but chose to value his stable life and normal job over the fleeting high.
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He realised, "If I smoked again, I would lose all of that."
Now, after twelve years of sobriety, he reflects on the importance of maintaining a supportive circle and prioritising his well-being.
Understanding depression
Speaking about depression, Loufi criticised the overuse of the term online, emphasising that true depression involves a profound struggle to face each day.
"Depression is feeling like you can't wake up in the morning," he explained, underscoring the mental health challenges many face quietly.
The battle with alcohol
Loufi also addressed his decision to quit alcohol, recognising it as a legal drug deeply entrenched in South African culture.
Initially fuelled by ego and the confidence it provided, he found the courage to stop after a health scare involving his liver.
A father's motivation
Loufi's journey is deeply motivated by his role as a father.
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He questioned whether he wanted his son to grow up with a "drug addict dad" and realised he wanted to lead by example.
His personal evolution has been about "cutting the things you can cut," focusing on nurturing a healthy environment for his family.
In sharing his story, Loufi hopes to inspire others by first showcasing his work and then revealing the struggles that shaped him, offering both authenticity and encouragement to those facing similar challenges.
Safe Space
Loufi's interview on Breakfast with Martin Bester is part of Jacaranda FM's Safe Space initiative this Men's Mental Health Awareness Month.
Jacaranda FM believes that if men are provided with the right platform and motivation, they will feel comfortable discussing the burdens in their lives and seeking help.
In November, Jacaranda FM will address various challenges men face in collaboration with October Health.
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October Health, previously known as PANDA, is designed to empower individuals to take control of their mental health and well-being through proactive, long-term solutions.
By integrating performance psychology with cutting-edge technology, the platform helps users not only manage stress and anxiety, but also build mental resilience and unlock their full potential. With personalised tools, live sessions, and self-guided resources, October Health makes mental fitness an achievable and aspirational goal for everyone.
Use the code JACA24 on the October Health App to receive an extra 200 Luna credits and gain access to three premium AI coaching courses. By entering the promo code, you will unlock exclusive access to premium content, enabling you to fully benefit from everything October Health has to offer.
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