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

Dr. Dallas Bragg
  • 4.9 (41)
  • SELF-IMPROVEMENT
  • UPDATED DAILY

Vision:  To eradicate crystal meth addiction and chemsex misuse, especially among the gay male population.  Mission:  Using the power of social media, The AfterMeth will increase awareness around the characteristics and effects of crystal meth and chemsex on the community of men who have sex with men, provide stories of hope to inspire struggling users and produce a repository of tools to be used by the loved ones of men who want to break free from the addictive patterns of chemsex. Join Dr. Dallas Bragg every other week. You can find The AfterMeth Podcast anywhere you listen to your favorite podcasts. Find answers to:How can I stop relapsing?How can I heal my addiction?How does crystal meth addiction affect gay men?How can I get sober?

  1. 11H AGO

    EP 2:48: The Gifts of Chemsex with Matthew

    Send a text Supplemental Study Guide: https://www.drdallasbragg.com/newsletters/blog/posts/giftofchemsex In this episode, host Dr. Dallas Bragg sits down with Matthew, a client and graduate of the Foundations group coaching program, who shares his journey from childhood in West Virginia to crystal meth addiction and ultimately into recovery. Matthew opens up about the subtle but powerful childhood wounds that shaped his sense of self — growing up as an identical twin constantly compared to his brother, latching onto intelligence as his sole identity, and enduring bullying that reinforced deep feelings of inadequacy. He traces how those unhealed wounds drove him toward perfectionism, people-pleasing, and eventually chemsex, where meth temporarily silenced the relentless inner voices telling him he wasn't good enough. The conversation turns to the transformative shift that changed everything for Matthew: learning self-compassion. Through Dr. Bragg's coaching program, Matthew began to see meth not as a villain that stole his life, but as a mirror reflecting what he'd been missing — self-worth, self-love, and authentic identity. Key themes explored include the power of asking "what is true and what is a story," releasing judgment (of meth, of yourself, of your past), and the courage it takes to stop identifying with your wounds and start discovering who you actually are. Matthew's story is a powerful testament that recovery isn't about returning to who you were — it's about becoming who you were always meant to be. Find Matthew here: Instagram:  Matthewdenali.11 Email:          matthew.murse21@gmail.com The AfterMeth: Join our Facebook Community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/theaftermeth/ Dallas Bragg Subscribe to our weekly newsletter: https://www.drdallasbragg.com/newsletters/blog 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

    1h 22m

  2. FEB 5

    EP 2:47 Healing for Couples Affected by Chemsex

    Send a text Supplemental Study Guide: https://www.drdallasbragg.com/newsletters/blog/posts/HealingRelationships In this episode of The AfterMeth Podcast, host Dr. Dallas Bragg sits down with Tom Bruett, LMFT and certified sex therapist, to explore the complex dynamics of relationships affected by crystal meth use. Tom, founder of the Queer Relationship Institute and author of "The Go To Relationship Guide for Gay Men," brings his extensive expertise working with queer couples through the challenges of chemsex addiction. The conversation tackles difficult questions many listeners face: What happens when one partner is using and the other isn't? How does meth become a "third partner" in the relationship, competing for attachment and attention? Tom emphasizes that honesty forms the foundation for healing, explaining how repeated betrayals create trauma for non-using partners and erode trust in ways that go beyond the drug use itself. He candidly addresses the reality that rebuilding a relationship during active use is nearly impossible, as meth fundamentally alters brain chemistry and becomes the primary attachment object, making meaningful connection with a partner extremely difficult. The discussion then shifts to recovery and sexual reintegration, offering both hope and realistic expectations for couples navigating this journey. Tom shares that rebuilding trust requires "new experiences"—not just stopping use, but actively bringing partners into the recovery process through vulnerable sharing about cravings, triggers, and close calls. He addresses one of the most common concerns: the fear that sex will never feel the same again after meth. Rather than offering false promises, Tom encourages couples to grieve what was lost while expanding their definition of intimacy and sexual connection, starting small with touch, massage, and emotional presence rather than expecting immediate return to previous patterns. He outlines the importance of both partners getting support—the person in recovery needs their own resources, while the non-using partner often needs therapy or coaching to process their own trauma and learn when to set firm boundaries. Throughout the conversation, Tom validates the profound grief both partners experience while emphasizing that recovery is possible when couples are willing to do the heavy lifting of honest communication, boundary-setting, and rebuilding their foundation together. Socials-  Instagram- @queerrelationshipinstitute Youtube- @queerrelationshipinstitute Tiktok- @the The AfterMeth: Join our Facebook Community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/theaftermeth/ Dallas Bragg Subscribe to our weekly newsletter: https://www.drdallasbragg.com/newsletters/blog 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

    57 min

  3. JAN 29

    EP 2:46 Finding Your Chemsex Recovery Plan with Shane

    Send a text Supplemental Study Guide: https://www.drdallasbragg.com/newsletters/blog/posts/ChemsexRecovery In this episode of The AfterMeth Podcast, host Dr. Dallas Bragg sits down with Shane Mayson, a recovery and life coach and interventionist with 22 years of personal recovery experience. Shane shares his journey from discovering drugs at age 13 in Charleston, South Carolina, through his progression to methamphetamine use in New York City in 1989, and ultimately finding recovery in 1994 through 12-step programs. He candidly discusses growing up gay in a religious household with a Pentecostal preacher father, the shame he carried, and how substances initially felt like the solution he'd been searching for before his life spiraled to homelessness and a critical turning point. The conversation explores the distinction between life coaching and recovery coaching, with Shane explaining that while life coaching helps clients discover their own answers through curiosity and questioning, recovery coaching requires more direct guidance on essential boundaries like changing phone numbers and cutting contact with using networks. Both Shane and Dallas emphasize the irreplaceable value of peer-to-peer support in recovery, noting that while clinical therapy has its place, the lived experience of someone who has navigated chemsex addiction brings a unique understanding that cannot be taught in a classroom. Shane's approach blends compassionate intervention with practical recovery tools, highlighting that recovery is possible and that the journey continues to evolve even decades into sobriety. Find Shane here: Linked In: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shanemayson/ Instagram: @shane_mayson Email : Shane@steadfast-support.com The AfterMeth: Join our Facebook Community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/theaftermeth/ Dallas Bragg Subscribe to our weekly newsletter: https://www.drdallasbragg.com/newsletters/blog 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

    1h 8m

  4. JAN 22

    EP 2:45 Eroticism for Chemsex Recovery with Dr. Tom

    Send a text Supplemental Study Guide: https://www.drdallasbragg.com/newsletters/blog/posts/Eroticism In this episode of The AfterMeth Podcast, host Dr. Dallas Bragg welcomes back Dr. Thomas Gaither, a urologist and academic researcher specializing in MSM sexual health, to explore the concept of eroticism and sexual reintegration after chemsex addiction. Drawing from Jack Morin's book "The Erotic Mind," they discuss the four cornerstones of eroticism: violating prohibitions, longing and anticipation, searching for power, and overcoming ambivalence. Dr. Gaither introduces the framework of sexual "accelerators and brakes," emphasizing that addressing psychological barriers like internalized homophobia, anxiety, and self-hate is more crucial than adding stimulants to achieve arousal. The conversation centers on helping men who struggle to reconnect with their sexuality after meth use, particularly those who associate sexual thoughts exclusively with drug cravings or feel sexually numb years into recovery.  The discussion provides practical tools for sexual healing, including an exercise in identifying "peak erotic experiences" (PEEs) from pre-addiction periods to map one's natural arousal template. Dr. Gaither explains the concept of "core erotic themes"—unfinished emotional business from childhood that manifests in sexual experiences—and how understanding these patterns can help reclaim agency over one's sexuality. Both hosts emphasize that diminishing sexual desire during recovery may actually signal healthy growth rather than dysfunction, encouraging patience as the brain rewires itself without chemical stimulation. The episode addresses common post-addiction challenges including erectile dysfunction, delayed ejaculation, and porn dependency, while reinforcing that 90% of sexual function originates in the brain and requires introspection beyond medical interventions. Find Dr. Tom here:   IG is @that_prostate_doctor  Tiktok is: @that_prostate_doctor  The AfterMeth: Join our Facebook Community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/theaftermeth/ Dallas Bragg Subscribe to our weekly newsletter: https://www.drdallasbragg.com/newsletters/blog 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

    1h 9m

  5. JAN 15

    EP 2:44 Artificial Intelligence for Chemsex Recovery with Richard

    Send a text Supplemental Study Guide:  https://www.drdallasbragg.com/newsletters/blog/posts/ArtificialIntelligence In this episode, Dallas welcomes Richard, a 59-year-old from the UK with a background in finance, who shares his innovative approach to Chemsex recovery through AI assistance. Richard discovered the power of AI (specifically Claude and ChatGPT) while managing a difficult situation with a narcissistic housemate, where AI helped him keep facts steady amid gaslighting and emotional manipulation. He then realized the same principles applied to his addiction—selective memory, distorted thinking, and the fantasy of control. After years of struggling with traditional 12-step programs that didn't fully address the arousal-based nature of Chemsex addiction, Richard found AI to be an invaluable "thinking partner" that provides shame-free, judgment-free support available 24/7. He emphasizes that AI isn't a replacement for human connection, but rather a supplement that helps him process cravings, manage impulses, organize his thoughts, and work through the unglamorous daily moments where addiction festers in the dark. The conversation explores practical applications of AI in recovery, including using it as a comedown partner, an impulse buffer before sending emotionally-charged texts, a dream interpreter, and a tool for sexual template normalization planning. Richard candidly discusses how Chemsex differs from other addictions because meth and sex become completely fused—he describes it as a cue-initiated, arousal-based addiction rather than an emotional one. Dallas and Richard address common concerns about AI use, including data privacy and the importance of using AI alongside (not instead of) human support, particularly in crisis situations. Richard is currently focused on sexual reintegration after recognizing that abstinence from meth without addressing the sexual component isn’t true recovery.  The episode offers listeners practical insights into leveraging AI technology as an additional recovery tool while maintaining realistic expectations about its role in the healing journey. Find Richard Here:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/richard-day-4125061b5/ The AfterMeth: Join our Facebook Community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/theaftermeth/ Dallas Bragg Subscribe to our weekly newsletter: https://www.drdallasbragg.com/newsletters/blog 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

    1h 17m

  6. JAN 8

    EP 2:43 Mindful Masturbation for Chemsex Recovery with Kevin

    Send a text Supplemental Study Guide:  https://www.drdallasbragg.com/newsletters/blog/posts/Mindfulmasturbation In this essential episode, Dr. Dallas Bragg welcomes back Coach Kevin Martin (the Pleasure Priest) to explore mindful masturbation as a critical tool for sexual reintegration after Chemsex addiction. Kevin explains that mindful masturbation means bringing consciousness and intention to self-pleasure—moving beyond the automatic "grab phone, pull up porn, rub one out" routine to ask "what am I needing right now?" The practice involves scheduling a dedicated self-pleasure date, creating a pleasurable atmosphere using all five senses, eliminating distractions (especially phones and porn), and exploring the body with gentle curiosity rather than rushing toward orgasm. Kevin emphasizes that the goal isn't to come but to notice what pleasure feels like, which helps men discover their natural arousal template versus what was chemically hijacked by meth. The conversation addresses deeper themes of worthiness, permission, and shame that prevent many men from experiencing pleasure, particularly those coming from religious or judgment-based backgrounds. Kevin shares that simply giving oneself permission to feel pleasure can be transformative for clients, and that this practice serves as a powerful tool for emotional regulation, craving management, body reconnection, and distinguishing between meth-influenced sexual interests and authentic desires. Both hosts stress that mindful masturbation is a practice requiring patience and persistence—initial attempts may feel awkward or frustrating, but with time it becomes a profound form of self-awareness that extends benefits across all areas of recovery and life. Resources mentioned include Kevin's OnlyFans content modeling mindful practices and Powers of Man's "deep stroke sequence" technique. Find Coach Kevin Here: IG: @coachkevmartin The AfterMeth: Join our Facebook Community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/theaftermeth/ Dallas Bragg Subscribe to our weekly newsletter: https://www.drdallasbragg.com/newsletters/blog 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

    1h 1m

  7. JAN 1

    EP 2:42 Loneliness is a Gift with Phil

    Send a text Supplemental Study Guide: https://www.drdallasbragg.com/newsletters/blog/posts/lonelinessgift In this essential episode, Dr. Dallas Bragg welcomes Phil McAuliffe, founder of Humans:Connecting and The Loneliness Guy to explore one of the top reasons gay men relapse in recovery from crystal meth addiction: loneliness. Phil reframes loneliness as a vital signal—like hunger or thirst—that our connection needs aren't being met, rather than a problem to fix or numb through scrolling, using, or other distractions. He introduces the powerful concept that admitting loneliness is akin to saying "I feel unworthy of love and belonging," which explains why men often won't acknowledge their loneliness until after they've relapsed. The conversation dismantles common platitudes like "you're not alone" and "just put yourself out there," revealing how these well-meaning responses often miss the mark and why loneliness carries such debilitating stigma in our community. Phil shares his framework of the "three pillars of connection"—connection to self, connection to those most important to you, and connection to community—emphasizing that meaningful connection requires showing up authentically rather than wearing masks or performing competence. He introduces the critical insight that loneliness "dances in a trio" with shame and trauma, meaning addressing loneliness often requires courage to examine these deeper wounds. Practical tools discussed include owning loneliness through language ("I'm experiencing loneliness" versus "I'm lonely"), getting relentlessly curious rather than judgmental, asking for consent before sharing your loneliness with others, and committing to six months of persistence when trying new connection activities. The episode reinforces that recovery work—whether from addiction or loneliness—takes time, effort, and patience, but ultimately, you are worth it. Find Phil here:  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/phil-mcauliffe/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/humans_connecting/ Connection Resolutions Download: https://www.humansconnecting.org/downloads/connection-resolutions  Connection Starter Course: https://www.humansconnecting.org/connection-starter-course The AfterMeth: Join our Facebook Community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/theaftermeth/ Dallas Bragg Subscribe to our weekly newsletter: https://www.drdallasbragg.com/newsletters/blog 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

    1h 19m

  8. 12/25/2025

    EP 2:41 Encore: F**k Like a Porn Star with Jayson Parker

    Send a text Supplemental Study Guide: https://www.drdallasbragg.com/newsletters/blog/posts/jayson In 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 recovery    Practical 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 work    Breaking 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 addiction    Key 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: jaysonparker801  IG: jaysonparker_801    Resources Mentioned:  • Pepper Diet Academy Conference: The AfterMeth: Join our Facebook Community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/theaftermeth/ Dallas Bragg Subscribe to our weekly newsletter: https://www.drdallasbragg.com/newsletters/blog 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

    1h 14m
See All (100)

4.9
out of 5
41 Ratings

About

Vision:  To eradicate crystal meth addiction and chemsex misuse, especially among the gay male population.  Mission:  Using the power of social media, The AfterMeth will increase awareness around the characteristics and effects of crystal meth and chemsex on the community of men who have sex with men, provide stories of hope to inspire struggling users and produce a repository of tools to be used by the loved ones of men who want to break free from the addictive patterns of chemsex. Join Dr. Dallas Bragg every other week. You can find The AfterMeth Podcast anywhere you listen to your favorite podcasts. Find answers to:How can I stop relapsing?How can I heal my addiction?How does crystal meth addiction affect gay men?How can I get sober?

Information

You Might Also Like