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Find the supplemental study guide for this episode here:
https://www.drdallasbragg.com/newsletters/blog/posts/storytelling

In this episode of the AfterMeth Podcast, Dr. Dallas Bragg welcomes artist and writer Ed Firth for a rich conversation about the intersection of addiction recovery, creative expression, and queer identity. Known for his graphic novels that candidly explore the chemsex scene among men who have sex with men, Ed shares how storytelling became both a survival strategy and a source of healing.

Together, Dr. Bragg and Ed examine the transformative power of narrative—how art and personal storytelling can help individuals process trauma, reconnect with themselves, and build community. They explore how graphic novels and other creative forms offer a unique way to engage serious topics like addiction, intimacy wounds, and sexual reintegration during recovery.

This episode emphasizes that recovery is not a one-size-fits-all journey. Whether through writing, art, or open conversation, self-expression can be a vital tool for healing. Dr. Bragg and Ed make a compelling case for using creativity not just as a therapeutic outlet, but as a bridge to deeper self-understanding and collective connection.

Ed Firth is an East London artist and writer known for his Pound Shop zine cycle and the acclaimed Horny & High anthology comic series, which explores British chemsex subculture among gay men in 2010s London. His work has gained significant recognition, with Vol 1 shortlisted for the Myriad First Graphic Novel Competition and praised by queer comics legend Ralf König, while Vol 2 earned acclaim from Attitude magazine for its powerful portrayal of addiction and comedown experiences.

Beyond his graphic novels, Firth's autobiographical comic The Lift placed second in the Observer/Faber & Faber Graphic Short Story competition in 2022, and he was named one of Broken Frontier's "Six To Watch" emerging creators in 2023. His Horny & High series is now available internationally through German publisher Salzgeber Buchverlage and US publisher Northwest Press, while he continues working on volume 3 alongside portrait commissions, running East London Life Drawing, and volunteering as a Support Keyworker for Controlling Chemsex.

You can reach / connect with Ed via:
https://typ0.bigcartel.com/contact

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Supplemental study guide: https://www.drdallasbragg.com/newsletters/blog/posts/EMDR

In this episode of the AfterMeth Podcast, Dr. Dallas Bragg and Drake Schoeppl explore the deep connection between trauma, addiction recovery, and EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) therapy. Drawing from both clinical expertise and lived experience, Drake explains how EMDR can help individuals move beyond abstinence and toward lasting emotional healing.

They unpack how low self-esteem, intimacy wounds, and limiting belief systems often drive patterns of crystal meth use, particularly within the LGBTQ+ community. Rather than framing addiction as a moral failure, Dr. Bragg highlights how unprocessed trauma and emotional disconnection lie at the heart of substance use. EMDR therapy offers a way to safely reprocess these experiences and begin to rebuild trust in oneself.

The episode also touches on the importance of stabilization and grounding before trauma work begins, the role of curiosity in navigating triggers, and the value of individualized treatment. Dr. Bragg and Drake stress that recovery isn’t one-size-fits-all, and that healing starts with being met where you are, without shame. Whether you're exploring EMDR as a therapy option or seeking a deeper understanding of trauma-informed recovery, this conversation offers both practical guidance and hope for change.

About Drake Schoeppl, LCSW

Drake Schoeppl, LCSW, is a licensed therapist practicing in both Florida and Illinois. He brings years of experience supporting individuals dealing with PTSD, depression, anxiety, complex trauma, addiction, relational issues, and those within the LGBTQ+ community. Drake takes a holistic, trauma-informed approach to therapy and emphasizes the importance of culture in the healing process.

Throughout his career, Drake has served in a variety of roles, including as a crisis therapist responding to 911 mental health calls, a clinician on an inpatient psychiatric unit, a therapist in a substance use rehabilitation center, and in supportive work with LGBTQ+ youth, young adults, and their families. His diverse background informs a compassionate, culturally responsive, and client-centered practice.

You can access Drake Schoeppl’s website with resources and connect with Drake using the following links:

https://ignitinghope.info

https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/therapists/drake-schoeppl-chicago-il/818141

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Find the supplemental study guide here: https://www.drdallasbragg.com/newsletters/blog/posts/adhd

In this episode of the AfterMeth Podcast, Dr. Dallas Bragg and Daniel Gilsenan unpack the complicated intersection of ADHD and chemsex addiction. They explore how impulsivity, emotional regulation, and identity all play into the recovery process—and why empathy, not judgment, is key.

From the risks of self-diagnosis to the role of psychotherapy and medication in healing, this conversation challenges the labels we cling to and invites a more nuanced understanding of both ADHD and addiction. For anyone navigating recovery while questioning their mental health, this episode offers clarity, compassion, and a reminder: you’re not broken—you’re becoming.

Guest Bio
Daniel Gilsenan is Head of Clinical Supervision at Controlling Chemsex, the UK’s most active chemsex support charity. He has extensive experience supporting people engaged in chemsex, substance use, and recovery. He is a highly trained executive coach, psychodynamic psychotherapist, and recovery specialist with a background spanning both corporate and clinical settings.

His approach integrates these two worlds – the commercial and the therapeutic – enabling him to support clients navigating the intense pressures of high-performance environments.

Daniel's rigorous training and in-depth personal therapy help him work at the intersection of inner experience and external context, offering insight into how personal patterns shape professional and relational dynamics.

He is a full member of the British Psychoanalytic Council and an accredited Executive Coach with the European Mentoring and Coaching Council.

You can reach Daniel and recovery help:
enquiries@gilsenan.com
+44 7352 347 588
https://www.danielgilsenan.com/psychotherapy

https://www.danielgilsenan.com/recovery

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Find the supplemental study guide here:
https://www.drdallasbragg.com/newsletters/blog/posts/teacher

In this powerful episode of the AfterMeth Podcast, Dr. Dallas Bragg sits down with Bobby—a former educator turned recovery coach—to unpack the complex realities of chemsex addiction, particularly involving crystal meth and GHB.

Bobby shares how a single arrest became a turning point, leading him from a life of isolation and substance use into one of purpose, healing, and service. Together, he and Dr. Bragg explore the emotional weight of relapse, the role of treatment courts, and how ADHD, productivity pressures, and disconnection can fuel addiction.

You can find Bobby via email: Bob19146@icloud.com
Facebook / Insta: Bob19146

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Dr. Dallas Bragg

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Supplementary Study Guide: https://www.drdallasbragg.com/newsletters/blog/posts/dance

What if healing from addiction didn’t start with shame—but with movement, pleasure, and connection?

In this episode, Dr. Dallas Bragg sits down with his guest, Gary—a therapist, conscious DJ, somatic sexologist in training, and creator of sensuality workshop and ecstatic dance for GBTQ men ‘Pleasure Medicine’—to explore the impact of chemsex in the LGBTQ community and how practices like conscious dance and embodiment can help men reconnect with their bodies, desire, and sense of self.

Together, they unpack the emotional and physical aftermath of meth use, the role of vulnerability in redefining masculinity, and how true recovery begins after quitting. From kink to creativity, this conversation offers a compassionate look at healing through joy, softness, and authentic connection.

Find Gary here:
IG @_garyalbert_
IG @pleasuremedicinedance

Website: www.pleasuremedicine.co.uk

Gary is a therapist, embodiment facilitator, Somatic Sexologist in training, award-winning music maker, conscious DJ, and writer.

He’s the creator of Pleasure Medicine—a bi-weekly sensuality workshop and ecstatic dance for gay men in East London that blends conscious movement with intimate, embodied connection.

With over a decade of experience as a therapist, Gary is devoted to helping gay men unlock their pleasure centres, soften shame, and rediscover joy, intimacy, and sensuality through dance, touch, and celebratory sexuality.

He is a columnist for queer culture magazine QX and writes personal essays, opinion pieces, and cultural reflections—always from the perspective of being in the waters with the reader, trying to work it all out together.

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Dr. Dallas Bragg

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

In this episode, Dr. Dallas Bragg and Tyrone Clifford share insights from the Stonewall Project's contingency management program for men navigating chemsex and crystal meth recovery.

Key points:

• Personalized recovery paths beyond traditional abstinence models
• Effective strategies for managing triggers in real-world situations
• The healing power of shame-free peer support communities
• Client empowerment as the foundation for sustainable recovery
• How positive reinforcement creates lasting behavioral change
• Inclusive approaches for diverse populations and experiences
• The importance of finding the right counselor for your journey
• Ongoing support through alumni programs and community connection

Tyrone is the Manager|Contingency Management|Stonewall, PROP “Positive Reinforcement Opportunities Project” part of the San Francisco AIDS Foundation

He is a former Meth user of about 20 years. He's been engaged in CM for 13 years this coming February in many forms. He started off as a participant in PROP, Volunteer, Health Educator, Program Coordinator and currently the Program Manager of PROP Classic. PROP is our Contingency Management program, supporting MSM, Trans and Gender Nonconforming individuals seeking support as they explore making changes around stimulant use.

San Francisco AIDS Foundation: https://www.SFAF.org

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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==

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Dr. Dallas Bragg

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Supplemental Study Guide: https://www.drdallasbragg.com/newsletters/blog/posts/corrected-links-do-you-believe-in-love-after-meth

This is such a powerful and heartfelt episode! Dr. Dallas sits down with Dave Becker, better known as Sober Dave, to talk about love, sex, and sobriety after meth.

They dive into the realities of rebuilding trust, navigating intimacy, and reclaiming joy in queer relationships after addiction. Sober Dave shares his journey of recovery with so much honesty and hope, shedding light on the unique challenges LGBTQIA+ folks face on the path to healing.

They discuss dating apps, setting boundaries, and finding community – all while exploring how authenticity, self-love, and patience can help you rediscover connection without shame. Whether you're in recovery, love someone who is, or just want to better understand the queer recovery experience, this episode is full of compassion, real talk, and gentle reminders that healing is possible and you’re never alone.

Find Dave here: IG: @soberdave85

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Dr. Dallas Bragg

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Free online course to End the Relapse Cycle: https://www.drdallasbragg.com/offers/e7c2Eo22/checkout