The AfterMeth: Gay Men Recovering from Crystal Methamphetamine Addiction

• EP 2:18 Turning Pain Into Purpose with Ben Kaye

  Send us a textSupplemental Study Guide: https://www.drdallasbragg.com/newsletters/blog/posts/purposeIn this powerful episode, host Dr. Dallas Bragg sits down with Ben Kaye, a UK-based advocate who's making waves in the fight against chem sex addiction within the men who have sex with men (MSM) community.Ben's story is one of transformation—from experiencing the isolation and misunderstanding that many face in traditional treatment systems to becoming a passionate voice for change. Having navigated his own recovery journey, Ben recognized critical gaps in knowledge and support around chem sex addiction in the UK healthcare and treatment systems.Rather than accepting the status quo, Ben channeled his experience into meaningful action, working tirelessly to create awareness and understanding around this often-overlooked epidemic. His work demonstrates how personal recovery can evolve into powerful advocacy that helps entire communities.Dr. Bragg and Ben explore the unique challenges of chem sex addiction, the lack of specialized understanding in traditional treatment approaches, and how survivors can transform their pain into purpose. This conversation offers hope and inspiration for anyone who has felt misunderstood in their recovery journey and shows how individual action can create ripple effects of positive change.This episode is essential listening for anyone affected by substance use in the LGBTQ+ community, healthcare providers seeking to better understand chem sex addiction, and anyone looking for inspiration on how to turn their recovery into meaningful advocacy work.By listening and sharing this episode, you're helping raise awareness about a critical public health issue that affects communities worldwide.Contact Ben Here:@[email protected] and https://www.benkayetherapy.comThe AfterMeth: Join our Facebook Community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/theaftermeth/ Dr. Dallas Bragg Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/drdallasbragg Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drdallasbragg/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@drdallasbragg YouTube: The Aftermeth Podcast X: https://twitter.com/Drdallasbragg Free online course to End the Relapse Cycle: https://www.drdallasbragg.com/offers/e7c2Eo22/checkout

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• EP 2:17: Sexual Reintegration AfterMeth with Mell McCracken

  Send us a textSupplemental Study Guide: https://www.drdallasbragg.com/newsletters/blog/posts/MellDr. Dallas Bragg sits down with Mell McCracken, a leading specialist in chem sex recovery, for an essential deep-dive into sexual reintegration after methamphetamine addiction. This content-rich episode addresses one of the most common yet rarely discussed challenges in recovery: finding fulfillment and healing in sober sexuality. Who This Episode Is For: • Anyone abstinent from meth struggling with sexual healing or fulfillment • People enjoying sober sex but seeking deeper intimacy and connection • Those curious about exploring their sexual identity and desires in recovery • Anyone looking to understand the complex relationship between addiction and sexuality What You'll Learn: • First steps toward sexual reintegration after meth addiction • How chem sex hijacks natural sexual experiences and responses • Practical strategies for rediscovering sexual fulfillment in sobriety • The importance of professional guidance in sexual healing • How to expand intimacy and explore sexual curiosity safely About the Guest: Mel brings over 10 years of specialized experience working with chem sex recovery on a daily basis. As one of the country's foremost experts in this field, they have helped countless individuals navigate the complex journey of sexual liberation after addiction. Key Takeaways: • Sexual reintegration is the #1 concern for men in meth recovery • Professional therapeutic support is crucial for comprehensive healing • Recovery isn't just about abstinence—it's about reclaiming all aspects of life • Sexual healing is possible with the right guidance and approach.Contact Mell here:https://nomatterwhatrecovery.com/The AfterMeth: Join our Facebook Community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/theaftermeth/ Dr. Dallas Bragg Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/drdallasbragg Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drdallasbragg/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@drdallasbragg YouTube: The Aftermeth Podcast X: https://twitter.com/Drdallasbragg Free online course to End the Relapse Cycle: https://www.drdallasbragg.com/offers/e7c2Eo22/checkout

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• EP 2:16: F*ck Like a P*rn Star AfterMeth with Jayson Parker

  Send us a textSupplemental Study Guide: https://www.drdallasbragg.com/newsletters/blog/posts/jaysonIn this episode of The AfterMeth podcast, Dr. Dallas Bragg sits down with Jayson Parker, a successful adult content creator who transformed his relationship with sex and intimacy after overcoming methamphetamine addiction. This raw, honest conversation explores one of recovery's most challenging topics: rebuilding a healthy sex life after meth.What You'll Learn:The Journey from Addiction to Recovery:• How religious trauma and shame led to meth as an "escape"• The moment when your heart changes but your body keeps using• Why Jason took a 3-year break from dating apps (and why it worked)• The power of saying "for now" instead of "never"Rebuilding Your Relationship with Sex:• How to grieve the loss of your addiction without demonizing it• The difference between performance and authentic connection• Why "sober sex is better" isn't about physical sensation• Navigating triggers, orgies, and high-risk situations in recoveryPractical Recovery Strategies:• The importance of radical self-honesty and vulnerability• Building a support network of sexually liberated people in recovery• How to know when you're ready to return to dating apps• Creating accountability systems that actually workBreaking Stigma:• Why you can't hate yourself into a new life• The surprising reality of drug use in the porn industry• How connection truly is the opposite of addictionKey Takeaways:"You can't shame yourself into compliance with a new way of life. You can't hate yourself into a new life.""I had to look at what positive things came from my addiction... I got wonderful gifts that I probably would never have gotten. And yet, this thing cannot be in my life anymore.""The only way to have sex in recovery is to have sex in recovery."About Jayson Parker:Jayson Parker is a successful adult content creator who quit his job as a money laundering investigator to pursue porn full-time. Born and raised Mormon in Utah, he overcame religious trauma, meth addiction, and sexual shame to build a thriving career in adult entertainment. He's an ambassador for Sniffies and Mr. S Leather, and is organizing the first-ever Pepper Diet Academy conference focused on sex, intimacy, and relationships in recovery.X: jaysonparker801IG: jaysonparker_801Resources Mentioned:• Pepper Diet Academy Conference: August 7-10, 2025    ◦ Website: pepperdietacademy.org    ◦ Focus: Sex, intimacy, and relationships in recovery    ◦ Includes workshops, clothing-optional activities, and safe spaces for sexual explorationContent Warning:This episode contains frank discussions about sex, drug use, and adult content. ListThe AfterMeth: Join our Facebook Community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/theaftermeth/ Dr. Dallas Bragg Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/drdallasbragg Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drdallasbragg/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@drdallasbragg YouTube: The Aftermeth Podcast X: https://twitter.com/Drdallasbragg Free online course to End the Relapse Cycle: https://www.drdallasbragg.com/offers/e7c2Eo22/checkout

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• EP 2:15 Reinventing Yourself AfterMeth with Evan

  Send us a textSupplementary Study Guide: https://www.drdallasbragg.com/newsletters/blog/posts/reinventionIn this episode of The AfterMeth podcast, Dr. Dallas Bragg welcomes Evan Lunt, a chemistry professor and drag queen who completely reinvented his life after methamphetamine addiction. This conversation provides a practical roadmap for anyone looking to reclaim their identity and build a new life in recovery.What You'll Learn:The Power of Geographic Change:• Why Evan chose treatment in a completely new city (Asheville, NC)• How starting fresh with no connections can accelerate recovery• The difference between running away from problems vs. strategic relocation• Why "wherever you go, there you are" doesn't always applyBuilding Community Intentionally:• How meth provided instant community - and why that's a key need to address• Forcing yourself into uncomfortable social situations (and why it works)• The importance of "hitting the ground running" with job, friends, and purpose• Why social interaction is a learned skill that requires practiceLeaning Into Discomfort:• How discomfort became Evan's compass for growth• Taking strategic breaks from triggering activities (drag, teaching, dating)• Why bad sex was exactly what he needed in early recovery• The importance of building resilience before taking on stressProfessional Recovery:• Navigating a career in chemistry while recovering from meth addiction• Taking a "step down" job (hardware store) to rebuild basic life skills• When and how to return to high-stress professions• Building responsibility gradually rather than rushing backDrag Performance in Recovery:• The reality of drug use in drag culture and nightlife scenes• Transitioning from "messy queen" to professional performer• Creating sober drag families and communities• Finding your niche (brunch vs. nighttime shows)Sexual Recovery and Relationships:• Taking 18 months off from sex and dating• How sex work during addiction complicated sexual identity• Learning what you actually like vs. what addiction taught you• The importance of bad sexual experiences in recoveryConnect with Evan:• Instagram: @theonlysevThe AfterMeth: Join our Facebook Community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/theaftermeth/ Dr. Dallas Bragg Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/drdallasbragg Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drdallasbragg/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@drdallasbragg YouTube: The Aftermeth Podcast X: https://twitter.com/Drdallasbragg Free online course to End the Relapse Cycle: https://www.drdallasbragg.com/offers/e7c2Eo22/checkout

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• EP 2:14 Working With Energy AfterMeth with Craig

  Send us a textSupplementary Study Guide: https://www.drdallasbragg.com/newsletters/blog/posts/energyIn this episode, Dr. Dallas Bragg sits down with Craig Brucato, a certified professional life coach and former meth user, to explore what comes after abstinence from meth - and how to get unstuck when recovery feels mundane or directionless.What You'll Learn:The "Now What?" DilemmaWhy many people feel stuck after completing traditional recovery programsHow to move from surviving sobriety to thriving in lifeThe difference between being clean and being truly recoveredThe Seven Levels of EnergyCraig introduces the IPEC Energy Leadership framework, explaining how we operate at different energy levels throughout the day - from victim energy (Level 1) to oneness with the universe (Level 7). Learn how to identify which level you're operating from and how to shift upward.Transforming Your Relationship with UrgesWhy the thought "I want to use" is actually valuable informationHow to examine thoughts without judgmentPractical questions to ask yourself when cravings hitBuilding Natural Life Force EnergyThree key components for raising your energy naturally:Physical: Exercise and body careMental/Spiritual: Meditation and quiet reflectionCommunity: Connection and service to othersBeyond the ShameCraig shares his personal journey from teenage meth use through chem sex addiction to becoming a successful life coach, proving that your past can become your purpose.Key Takeaways:Recovery isn't just about stopping drug use - it's about creating the life you actually wantYou can choose your energy level and emotional response to any situationThe same drive that led to addiction can be channeled into creating an extraordinary lifeYour darkest experiences can become your greatest giftsPerfect for anyone who's gotten clean but still feels something is missing, or those supporting someone in long-term recovery.Connect with Craig: Find him on Facebook at "The Rising Rainbow" or visit his website for energy coaching services.Contact Craig here: [email protected] AfterMeth: Join our Facebook Community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/theaftermeth/ Dr. Dallas Bragg Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/drdallasbragg Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drdallasbragg/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@drdallasbragg YouTube: The Aftermeth Podcast X: https://twitter.com/Drdallasbragg Free online course to End the Relapse Cycle: https://www.drdallasbragg.com/offers/e7c2Eo22/checkout

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