Peggy-Sue talks to NU.nl: Why do Dutch celebrities seek addiction treatment in South Africa?

20 Oct 2023 | 2 min read

Addiction is a complex problem that does not discriminate on the basis of status, profession or background. And a growing number of Dutch celebrities are reportedly turning to South Africa to recover from addiction.

Why this distant destination in particular? And what makes the approach there so different? In a candid interview with NU.nl, our own addiction expert Peggy-Sue explores these questions in greater depth.

People all over the world struggle with addiction. It is a phenomenon with many faces. Both in the Netherlands and abroad, countless treatment methods and institutions offer help. The choice of a particular location or method depends on various factors and is often highly personal.

An addiction clinic abroad provides distance from distractions and triggers, while South Africa offers a natural, idyllic environment that supports the healing process.

“People struggling with addiction often find themselves in dark environments. Pubs or bedrooms. Suddenly being in a beautiful location can provide a sense of hope and recovery.”

By travelling to our partner clinic in South Africa, you can distance yourself both physically and mentally from distractions and triggers. Abroad, you can focus on your addiction treatment without interruption.

Privacy is also a consideration for Dutch celebrities. South Africa offers a refuge far from the Dutch media.

“Dutch celebrities naturally don’t want to remain at home either. As soon as it becomes known that they are struggling with addiction, they are constantly harassed.”

Whether you are famous or not, addiction is a human experience and treatment must be tailored to the individual. Everyone at our partner clinic in South Africa is treated equally. Naturally, some people have special requests for privacy reasons. We try to accommodate these wherever possible.

When you choose to undergo addiction treatment at our partner clinic in South Africa, you take part in an intensive therapeutic programme. Our team uses a holistic approach to addiction treatment, focusing on a balanced recovery process.

In the Netherlands, however, there are a variety of treatment methods, including approaches focused on controlled use. The main difference between our treatment and the Dutch approach lies in our commitment to complete abstinence.

The path to recovery is profound and personal. Whether you choose treatment in the Netherlands or idyllic South Africa, the ultimate goal is always recovery.

By gaining insight into the heart of the addiction recovery process, we can understand what fuels and sustains the addiction. For a more comprehensive look at this subject and Peggy-Sue’s in-depth insights, we invite you to read the full interview on NU.nl.