Costa Carastavrakis - From meth addiction to marathons: South African story of healing!

“It is about forgiving and handing back the shame and finding meaning in it all… I am Costa, and I will carry this shame no more.”

 

Johannesburg, South Africa – Constantinos Carastavrakis, known to his friends as Costa, has successfully launched a multimedia career with talks, TV appearances, and a radio show. Costa’s passion is igniting others to create and own their transformation to a healthy life. His purpose is to carry a message of hope to the still-suffering addict as well as one of caution with growing issues of addiction affecting many in society today.

Costa tells his story with great honesty and courage. He charts his course through a childhood of identity confusion – growing up Greek and gay in Johannesburg. He built a glamorous life of parties, business triumphs and money but crashed into the devastation of a crystal meth addiction.

The ‘gift of desperation’ arrived to propel him towards a life without drugs and alcohol. He slowly dragged himself out of toxicity onto a path of recovery. With it came a new quest: to create the best version of himself. He has devoted his energy and drive to fitness; from small beginnings, he has worked his way up to becoming a marathon runner and triathlon athlete.

He brings light and humour to the darkness of addiction and shows that true body, mind and spirit recovery is possible for anyone who cares enough to heal themselves.

Listen to his full interview below:


Sources: Interview with Costa Carastavrakis 
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About the Author

Brent Lindeque is the founder and editor in charge at Good Things Guy.

Recognised as one of the Mail and Guardian’s Top 200 Young South African’s as well as a Primedia LeadSA Hero, Brent is a change maker, thought leader, radio host, foodie, vlogger, writer and all round good guy.

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