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Supplemental Study Guide: https://www.drdallasbragg.com/newsletters/blog/posts/silence

Dr. 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.

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Supplemental Study Guide: https://www.drdallasbragg.com/newsletters/blog/posts/purpose

In 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:
@benji.kaye@gmail.com and https://www.benkayetherapy.com

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Supplemental Study Guide: https://www.drdallasbragg.com/newsletters/blog/posts/Mell

Dr. 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/

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