Stefan Marais (28) is the subject of a new documentary by CakenTea Multimedia Specialists, tracing his life as an addict and his road to recovery.

The documentary follows Marais from childhood, where his addiction began, through his bodybuilding career and steroid use, to recovery. His mother, sister, brother-in-law, personal trainer and an ex-girlfriend all feature, speaking candidly about the toll his addiction took on them.

The documentary addresses how Marais strove to mend all the relationships damaged by his substance abuse.

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Steroid dangers in focus

Steroid use features prominently. Marais argues that enhancers are often glamourised as a shortcut to success, with their health risks overlooked.

“People don’t often know what addiction looks like,” he says. “I was seen as successful, but behind the scenes, I was abusing substances and hated my life. They also need to understand that addiction isn’t a choice, but rather a disease influenced by multiple factors.”

Counsellors from the South African National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence and the Barberton Rehabilitation Centre also weigh in, unpacking common misconceptions about addiction and its ripple effects on users and loved ones alike – and flagging concern over how easily illicit substances can be obtained.

The release date, full name and broadcast platform of the documentary are yet to be announced.

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Focus shifts to helping others

Marais’ story is well known and something he regularly talks about on his social media.

While studying for a degree in theology, he briefly worked as a pastor, but has now shifted his focus to helping patients at rehabilitation centres. He hopes to start a non-profit organisation that will allow him to support recovering addicts and give people the same care that he received on his own road to recovery.

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