The AfterMeth: Gay Men Recovering from Crystal Methamphetamine and Chemsex Addiction

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Study Guide:  
https://www.drdallasbragg.com/newsletters/blog/posts/rebuildinglife
In this episode of The AfterMeth Podcast, Dallas sits down with Martijn, co-founder of the Herstelcollectief —a Netherlands-based aftercare coaching organization serving men coming out of chemsex and addiction treatment. Martijn shares how the gap between clinical care and everyday life motivated him and his partner Jeroen to launch the collective, after witnessing multiple chemsex-related deaths in Amsterdam's small community within a short timespan. The Herstelcollectief or 'Recovery Collective' in English, offers one-on-one coaching focused on structure, connection, identity, sexuality, and community—bridging the dangerous "gray area" between treatment discharge and sustainable recovery. Martijn also describes his years of volunteer chemsex counseling at Amsterdam's free sexual health clinic, and the collective's new crowdfunding initiative to establish a foundation that will make coaching accessible to those who can't afford it.
Dallas and Martijn find deep common ground on several key recovery themes: the critical importance of community and connection (rather than treating recovery as a solely individual endeavor), the power of building structure through small, consistent daily habits, and the way limiting beliefs—like "I'm an addict" or "I'm an introvert"—can quietly sabotage progress if left unexamined. The conversation is warm, honest, and packed with practical wisdom, touching on everything from how to rebuild community after chemsex to the role of "opposite action" from DBT in daily recovery. Dallas also shares his vision for an AfterMeth Foundation, inspired by what Martijn is building in the Netherlands, leaving listeners with a sense of what's possible when lived experience and genuine community come together in service of recovery.
Please consider to donate and share the crowdfunding for the Recovery Fund:  https://whydonate.com/nl/fundraising/herstelcollectief 
 Find Martijn and Herstelcollectief here: 
Website:    https://www.herstelcollectief.nl 
Linked In:    https://www.linkedin.com/company/108069535/  
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/herstelcollectief/ 

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Dallas Bragg
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Free online course to End the Relapse Cycle: https://www.drdallasbragg.com/offers/e7c2Eo22/checkout
Meth-Free Blueprint EBOOK: https://www.drdallasbragg.com/offers/o8qFhK5i/checkout

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Supplemental Study Guide: https://www.drdallasbragg.com/newsletters/blog/posts/attachment 
In this episode, Dr. Dallas Bragg and clinical psychologist Mauricio Alvarez explore the intersection of chemsex, addiction, and mental health, particularly among men who have sex with men. 
The conversation covers: 
• Mauricio's background in neuroscience and clinical psychology 
• The neurobiological and psychodynamic aspects of addiction 
• How different attachment styles (anxious, avoidant, and disorganized) manifest in relationships and influence recovery 
• The impact of trauma on attachment and behavior, especially within the LGBTQ+ community 
• Therapeutic approaches to understanding triggers and healing relationships 
• The challenges of rebuilding trust and connection after addiction 
• The dynamics of caretaking behaviors and avoidance mechanisms 
• Unique considerations for individuals in sex work 
• The importance of emotional regulation, self-compassion, and mentalizing in recovery 
Throughout the discussion, the hosts emphasize an integrated approach to support services and provide insights on fostering healthier relationships during the recovery journey. 
Find Dr. Mauricio Alvarez here: 
Instagram @drmaualvarez  
Website: https://www.drmaualvarez.com  
Blog: https://www.drmaualvarez.com/reflections/wired-for-connection 
Tina Archetypes posts:
https://www.instagram.com/p/DE3UiKAs_oQ/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==
https://www.instagram.com/p/DE0rk4Qs7bm/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==

The AfterMeth:
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Dallas Bragg
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YouTube: The Aftermeth Podcast
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Free online course to End the Relapse Cycle: https://www.drdallasbragg.com/offers/e7c2Eo22/checkout
Meth-Free Blueprint EBOOK: https://www.drdallasbragg.com/offers/o8qFhK5i/checkout

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Study Guide:  https://www.drdallasbragg.com/newsletters/blog/posts/lovingyourself
In this episode of The AfterMeth Podcast, host Dr. Dallas Bragg interviews therapist Brian Spitulnik, who has gained significant attention on social media for his work with gay men. Brian, a psychotherapist who works primarily within a psychodynamic and Internal Family Systems framework, discusses his therapeutic approach to understanding addiction and mental health. He explains how different "parts" of ourselves, including the part that reaches for substances like crystal meth, actually have positive intentions and are trying to protect or help us in some way. Rather than viewing addiction as a disease to be fought, Brian advocates for understanding and having compassion for these parts, eventually giving them new roles rather than trying to eliminate them.
The conversation explores broader issues affecting the gay male community, including the loneliness epidemic, the impact of hookup apps like Grindr and Sniffies on addiction patterns, and how historical trauma from the AIDS crisis continues to affect gay men today. Brian draws parallels between the current crystal meth crisis and the AIDS epidemic, noting how both have been shrouded in stigma and silence within the community. The discussion emphasizes the importance of open dialogue about chemsex and methamphetamine use, while highlighting the need for both therapy and spiritual connection in recovery. Brian also shares his upcoming mental health app called "Gayfully," designed to help gay men connect authentically and work on their mental health together.
Contact Brian here:  Instagram: @Spitulnik Tiktok: @Spitulnik
The AfterMeth:
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Dallas Bragg
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YouTube: The Aftermeth Podcast
X: https://twitter.com/Drdallasbragg
Free online course to End the Relapse Cycle: https://www.drdallasbragg.com/offers/e7c2Eo22/checkout
Meth-Free Blueprint EBOOK: https://www.drdallasbragg.com/offers/o8qFhK5i/checkout

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https://www.drdallasbragg.com/newsletters/blog/posts/GuidedPractices
In celebration of Episode 100 of The AfterMeth Podcast, Dallas Bragg delivers a milestone solo episode reflecting on two years of conversations that have reached men across the globe — men who have listened in hotel rooms to avoid using, found hope while coming down, or simply needed to feel seen. With gratitude and momentum, Dallas closes out Season Two by sharing seven guiding practices designed to strengthen chemsex recovery from the inside out — not through willpower or shame, but through daily, intentional action rooted in self-awareness and personal responsibility.
The seven practices — acknowledging the gifts and costs of the chemsex experience, claiming personal power, examining life with curiosity instead of condemnation, living through core values, committing to consistent daily change, honoring personal energy and boundaries, and maintaining authentic connection to self — form a holistic framework for building a life so fulfilling that escape is no longer needed. Weaving together coaching insights, client stories, and concepts like alchemy and mindfulness, Dallas invites listeners to move from victim to creator, from shame to gold. Season Three begins March 26th, 2026.In celebration of Episode 100 of The AfterMeth Podcast, Dallas Bragg delivers a milestone solo episode reflecting on two years of conversations that have reached men across the globe — men who have listened in hotel rooms to avoid using, found hope while coming down, or simply needed to feel seen. With gratitude and momentum, Dallas closes out Season Two by sharing seven guiding practices designed to strengthen chemsex recovery from the inside out — not through willpower or shame, but through daily, intentional action rooted in self-awareness and personal responsibility.
The seven practices — acknowledging the gifts and costs of the chemsex experience, claiming personal power, examining life with curiosity instead of condemnation, living through core values, committing to consistent daily change, honoring personal energy and boundaries, and maintaining authentic connection to self — form a holistic framework for building a life so fulfilling that escape is no longer needed. Weaving together coaching insights, client stories, and concepts like alchemy and mindfulness, Dallas invites listeners to move from victim to creator, from shame to gold. Season Three begins March 26th, 2026.
The AfterMeth:
Join our Facebook Community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/theaftermeth/
Dallas Bragg
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YouTube: The Aftermeth Podcast
X: https://twitter.com/Drdallasbragg
Free online course to End the Relapse Cycle: https://www.drdallasbragg.com/offers/e7c2Eo22/checkout
Meth-Free Blueprint EBOOK: https://www.drdallasbragg.com/offers/o8qFhK5i/checkout

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Study Guide:  
https://www.drdallasbragg.com/newsletters/blog/posts/pitfalls
The AfterMeth Podcast welcomes assistant coach Bobby for a candid, experience-driven conversation about the most common pitfalls that hold men back in chemsex recovery. Dallas and Bobby each bring their own list of recovery obstacles to the table, comparing notes in real time to give listeners a comprehensive look at what actually gets in the way of progress. From "othering" other men in recovery as a way to avoid admitting the depth of one's own struggle, to inconsistency, isolation, dishonesty, and the trap of relying on willpower alone — the episode names the patterns that quietly sabotage even the most motivated clients.
Together, Dallas and Bobby emphasize that recovery success isn't measured by whether someone uses or not, but by a broader set of metrics: relationships, self-trust, emotional regulation, and momentum. They dig into practical strategies like structured weekend planning, blocking apps, building a support network outside of Grindr, and responding to relapse as a learning opportunity rather than a reason to start over. Drawing openly from their own lived experiences in recovery, both men offer the kind of grounded, shame-free honesty that makes this episode a valuable resource for anyone navigating chemsex recovery — whether they're brand new or stuck in a cycle they can't seem to break.
The AfterMeth:
Join our Facebook Community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/theaftermeth/
Dallas Bragg
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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
Meth-Free Blueprint EBOOK: https://www.drdallasbragg.com/offers/o8qFhK5i/checkout