---
title: "Breaking the deadly chains of tik dependence — a former user speaks out"
description: "‘There’s no gate going back out of smoking tik’ — but Nathan from Pearston in the Great Karoo, is fighting his way out of his dependence on crystal methamphetamine. This raw, unedited monologue is a moving account of how the trauma of sexual coercion, humiliation and ridicule contributed to his addiction."
type: "NewsArticle"
publisher: "Daily Maverick"
site: "https://www.dailymaverick.co.za"
section: "STREET TALK"
author: "Street Talk"
author_url: "https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/author/streettalk/"
canonical_url: "https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/article/2023-02-24-breaking-the-deadly-chains-of-tik-dependence-a-former-user-speaks-out/"
published: "2023-02-24T17:32:12"
lang: "en-ZA"
word_count: 186
---

# Breaking the deadly chains of tik dependence — a former user speaks out

> ‘There’s no gate going back out of smoking tik’ — but Nathan from Pearston in the Great Karoo, is fighting his way out of his dependence on crystal methamphetamine. This raw, unedited monologue is a moving account of how the trauma of sexual coercion, humiliation and ridicule contributed to his addiction.

By Street Talk · Published 24 February 2023, 19:32 SAST

## Key points
- Nathan is a real-life example of somebody who has chosen to take control of his life and make positive changes. His story is captured in Street Talk TV's latest film, which follows Nathan as he overcomes personal challenges and finds his place in the world. With a rap song as the backdrop, Nathan speaks of perseverance and self-belief, encouraging viewers to stay focused on their goals. Street Talk TV is a non-profit organisation that aims to capture and expose the lived realities of South Africans through weekly television and YouTube films. Their work promotes freedom of speech and diverse views from participants.
- Nathan overcame adversity to pursue his dreams and find work in a small town with high unemployment.
- Music is the way he spreads his message of motivation, culminating in a rap by ReCash.
- Street Talk TV is a non-profit organisation producing weekly films and videos that capture and expose the lived realities of people living in South Africa.
- Street Talk TV encourages freedom of speech and expression of diverse views.

## Content

Nathan made hard choices, persevered, went back to school, and found work in a small town with a high unemployment rate. Music is the way of spreading his message of motivation, and the film ends with a storytelling rap by ReCash (Nathan’s rapper name). He now speaks from a place of self-belief, where he ‘goes forward and not look back’.

**Warning: This film contains content of a sexual nature. Parental guidance is advised.**

[YouTube video: "YouTube video"](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iIae_r7fJoE)

This film was produced by Street Talk TV, a ground-breaking television and film series aired weekly on community television and on YouTube. In 15-minute films we capture and expose the lived realities and uncensored views of people living in South Africa.

![Street Talk Logo](https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/wp-content/uploads/Street-Talk-Logo-1.jpg)

Street Talk TV, a non-profit organisation, was launched in 2008. For more than 700 searchable films and our latest news, visit us at [www.streettalktv.com](http://www.streettalktv.com), [https://web.facebook.com/StreetTalkSA/](https://web.facebook.com/StreetTalkSA/) & [https://www.youtube.com/@StreetTalkSA](https://www.youtube.com/@StreetTalkSA)

Disclaimer: Street Talk TV encourages freedom of speech and the expression of diverse views. The views of participants who appear in the series - Street Talk TV - are therefore their own and do not necessarily represent the views of the producers. **DM**