The AfterMeth: Gay Men Recovering from Crystal Methamphetamine Addiction

• EP 2:19 Breaking the Silence of Chemsex with Alexander Cheves

  Send us a textSupplemental Study Guide: https://www.drdallasbragg.com/newsletters/blog/posts/silenceDr. Dallas Bragg interviews Alexander Cheves about his personal experience with chemsex and the crisis of silence surrounding substance use in the men who have sex with men (MSM) community. Alexander explains that U.S. LGBTQ+ media often avoids covering chemsex due to fears of pathologizing the community, even though gay male communities have documented higher rates of substance abuse. Both compare this silence to the early AIDS crisis, where deaths were kept quiet due to stigma. Alexander shares how he was introduced to chemsex through parties and hookups but managed to maintain boundaries and walk away when needed, attributing this ability simply to "luck" rather than any special quality.The discussion explores Alexander's background trauma and its connection to substance use. Raised by evangelical Southern Baptist parents who adopted him, he faced significant challenges around his gay identity and lived with anxiety, OCD, and highly structured routines. He found that drugs provided permission to escape rigid self-regulation. Both men share transformative experiences with psychedelics, particularly psilocybin, which helped Alexander develop crucial self-acceptance. He now follows a harm reduction approach, avoiding meth while occasionally using substances he feels help rather than harm him. He emphasizes that learning to appreciate sex without chemical enhancement requires patience and acceptance that some experiences may be disappointing.Alexander notes significant cultural differences between U.S. and European approaches to substance use, explaining that Berlin's less stigmatized drug culture allows for more practical harm reduction strategies without rigid 12-step programs. Both men emphasize the urgent need for influential community members to break the silence around chemsex, noting that shame-based recovery approaches often drive people away from help. The episode advocates for individualized recovery approaches, harm reduction as a valid alternative to complete sobriety, and creating judgment-free spaces where people can discuss substance use honestly while receiving appropriate support.Alexander Cheves is an accomplished writer with a decade of experience covering sexuality, masculinity, HIV, and queer identity. His work has appeared in Out Magazine, The Advocate, Vice, and other major publications. He writes the "Last Call" column for Out Magazine and an advice column called "Go Ask Alex." His memoir "My Love is a Beast" won the 2022 Geoff Mains Nonfictino Prize. Originally from the American South, he now lives and works in Berlin.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 2:18 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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About The AfterMeth: Gay Men Recovering from Crystal Methamphetamine Addiction