The AfterMeth: Gay Men Recovering from Crystal Methamphetamine Addiction

Supplementary Study Guide: https://www.drdallasbragg.com/newsletters/blog/posts/loneliness-is-your-best-recovery-friend
I really enjoyed this conversation with Dan, a former Methamphetamine addict whose story is very similar to my own. Yet, he provides so many unique perspectives. In this conversation, Dan discusses how he was able to maintain a high-functioning life while using meth and the moment of clarity that led him to seek help. Dan explores the underlying reasons for his addiction, including a fear of feeling emotions and a deep sense of loneliness. He emphasizes the importance of therapy and learning to understand and express emotions as part of the recovery process. Dan also shares his journey of having sober sex after meth addiction and the challenges and rewards that come with it. He recommends several books, including 'Man's Search for Meaning,' 'The Four Agreements,' 'The Velvet Rage,' and 'The Power of Now.'
Takeaways

Addiction can affect anyone, regardless of their external appearance or success in life.
Recognizing and acknowledging the problem is the first step towards recovery.
Emotional awareness and understanding can help in overcoming addiction.
Loneliness and feelings of inadequacy can contribute to addiction and should be addressed in the recovery process. Using drugs to cope with loneliness only provides temporary relief and ultimately leads to a deeper sense of loneliness and emptiness.
In sobriety, building meaningful connections and relationships takes time and effort, but the rewards are more solid and fulfilling.
Practicing being lonely involves acknowledging and accepting the feeling without judgment, reminding oneself that it won't last forever, and taking steps to reconnect with others when ready.
Sober sex can be a vulnerable and rewarding experience, and open communication with partners is essential for healing and growth.
Spirituality is about being present in the moment and understanding that obstacles and struggles are part of the human experience and contribute to personal growth.
Recommended books for recovery include 'Man's Search for Meaning,' 'The Four Agreements,' 'The Power of Now,' and 'The Twelve Steps and Twelve Traditions.'

The AfterMeth:

Join our Facebook Community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/theaftermeth/

Dr. Dallas Bragg

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drdallasbragg/

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

EP 1:19 Untangling Meth from Sex with David

The AfterMeth: Gay Men Recovering from Crystal Methamphetamine Addiction

07/18/24 • 61 min

Episode Study Guide: https://www.drdallasbragg.com/newsletters/blog/posts/untangling-meth-from-sex
In this episode, Dr. Dallas Bragg discusses the challenges of sober sex and intimacy after crystal meth addiction with psychosexual therapist David Clifford. They address common questions and concerns, such as approaching sober sex, untangling sexual function with pornography, and overcoming the fear of intimacy. The conversation emphasizes the importance of patience, building a support network, and exploring non-sexual intimacy as a starting point. They also discuss the artificial sense of community created by chemsex and the need to prioritize personal sobriety before helping others.
Find David here: https://www.davidcliffordtherapy.co.uk/
Controlling Chemsex: https://controllingchemsex.com/

The AfterMeth:

Join our Facebook Community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/theaftermeth/

Dr. Dallas Bragg

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drdallasbragg/

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

EP 1: 12: A.I. : The Future of Addiction Recovery with Dino

The AfterMeth: Gay Men Recovering from Crystal Methamphetamine Addiction

05/30/24 • 63 min

In this episode of the AfterMeth podcast, Dr. Dallas Bragg interviews Dino Miliotis, a recovering addict and spokesperson for Opiate, a data science company using AI to combat the opioid epidemic. They discuss the challenges of addiction recovery, the importance of accurate communication between patients and healthcare professionals, and the potential of technology to improve treatment outcomes. The conversation highlights the need for a more personalized and precise approach to addiction treatment, and the role of opiate in providing real-time data and tailored care. Dr. Dallas Bragg discusses the potential of AI technology in addiction recovery and the importance of connection in the recovery process. He emphasizes the need for trust in AI and the responsible use of technology. Dr. Bragg also shares his experience with addiction and the importance of lifestyle changes in maintaining sobriety. He talks about his upcoming appearance on Shark Tank and the future of the opioid technology he is developing.
Dino Miliotis has been a driving force in business for more than 30 years. He’s been featured on Oprah, Forbes, Entrepreneur, Crain’s Chicago Business and People Magazine. His resonating message of hope, changing the world one person at a time, is his mantra at what he now describes as the most rewarding time of his life.
As a recovering addict, Miliotis documents his life journey and road to recovery, from a more than 20-year battle with alcohol and substance use, in his memoir, ‘There Is No Box.’
Miliotis is best known as the inventor of an all-natural insect-repelling bracelet, Bug-Ban, which he launched in Chicago in 1996.
He is currently the spokesperson for OpiAID, an award-winning data science company that’s harnessing the power of AI to combat the opioid epidemic.
OpiAID website:
https://opiaid.ai/
Follow Dino Miliotis;
IG @therealdinomiliotis
FB @DinoMiliotis

The AfterMeth:

Join our Facebook Community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/theaftermeth/

Dr. Dallas Bragg

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drdallasbragg/

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

EP 1:11 When Interventions Work with Brandon

The AfterMeth: Gay Men Recovering from Crystal Methamphetamine Addiction

05/23/24 • 83 min

In this episode of the Aftermeth Podcast, Dr. Dallas Bragg interviews Brandon, a survivor of crystal meth addiction. They discuss the importance of nightly routines and how they can impact sobriety and mental well-being. Brandon shares his personal journey, starting from his childhood and feeling abandoned, to his experiences with addiction and the impact it had on his relationships. The conversation also touches on the role of voguing houses as a chosen family and the ultimatum that Brandon's friends gave him to choose between the drug and their support. Brandon shares his experience of being ready to seek help and the importance of being in the right mindset for recovery. He discusses the challenges of helping someone who is not ready to be helped and emphasizes the need for patience. Brandon also talks about his journey of healing and self-discovery, including the importance of self-love and taking accountability for his actions. He shares the challenges of sober sex and the need for open communication and understanding with partners. Brandon highlights the importance of rewiring the brain and allowing oneself to feel and process emotions. In this part of the conversation, Brandon discusses his journey of recovery and self-love. He talks about the challenges he faced during his four years of sobriety and how he realized that being without the substance doesn't necessarily mean being farther along in recovery. Brandon emphasizes the importance of emotional sobriety and the need to address the underlying issues that led to addiction. He shares his process of learning to love himself, including allowing himself to feel his emotions and practicing self-kindness. Brandon also talks about the importance of taking care of oneself, setting boundaries, and doing things that bring joy and fulfillment.

The AfterMeth:

Join our Facebook Community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/theaftermeth/

Dr. Dallas Bragg

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drdallasbragg/

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

EP 1:10 Medically Assisted Sobriety with Dr. Mark

The AfterMeth: Gay Men Recovering from Crystal Methamphetamine Addiction

05/16/24 • 53 min

Dr. Dallas Bragg interviews Dr. Mark Morris about medical-assisted sobriety and supporting friends struggling with addiction. They discuss the importance of personalized treatment and the need for an open mind in exploring different approaches to sobriety. They also touch on the challenges faced by the LGBTQ+ community in finding supportive treatment options. Dr. Morris emphasizes the value of medication-assisted treatment, but highlights the importance of combining it with therapy, coaching, and a strong support network. They also discuss the barriers to accessing treatment, such as cost and lack of knowledgeable healthcare providers.
Takeaways
Personalized treatment is crucial for addiction recovery, and different approaches may work for different individuals.
Medication-assisted treatment can be effective for alcohol and opioid addiction, but research on its efficacy for meth addiction is limited.
The LGBTQ+ community may face additional challenges in finding supportive treatment options.
Combining medication-assisted treatment with therapy, coaching, and a strong support network can increase the chances of successful recovery.
Access to treatment, including medication-assisted treatment, can be hindered by cost and a lack of knowledgeable healthcare providers.
As a teen, Dr. Mark discovered that alcohol allowed him to function in a straight marriage. Over the years, he added marijuana and sometimes other substances like benzodiazepines. When his children were teens themselves, they arranged an intervention that led Dr. Mark to rehab and Alcoholics Anonymous (AA).

After his divorce, Dr. Mark met his husband, whose story matched his own in many ways. They remain close to their families. Dr. Mark's former wife has since become a friend, while his husband's former wife has passed away.

Dr. Mark's AA sponsor is straight, but they have maintained their relationship over the years. His home group is One-to-One in St. Petersburg, and he attends meetings every week.

Sobriety has led Dr. Mark into humanitarian work in Haiti and with uninsured people in Tampa. He is interested in all approaches to achieving sobriety, especially as they relate to gay men and women, including medication-assisted recovery, although he has never worked professionally in addiction medicine.

The AfterMeth:

Join our Facebook Community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/theaftermeth/

Dr. Dallas Bragg

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drdallasbragg/

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

EP 1:44: Sober Fetish and Kink: Healing the Sexual Template with Ralf

The AfterMeth: Gay Men Recovering from Crystal Methamphetamine Addiction

12/26/24 • 76 min

Supplemental Study Guide: https://www.drdallasbragg.com/newsletters/blog/posts/leather-rubber-skin-head-what-s-your-flavor

In this episode of the Aftermeth Podcast, Dr. Dallas Bragg engages in a candid conversation with Ralf, a recovering chemsex addict, podcast host, and sober HERO, about the intersection of sobriety, kink, and mental health. They explore the challenges of enjoying sex and kink in recovery, the importance of community, and the therapeutic aspects of reclaiming power through kink. The discussion also touches on navigating triggers, the role of creativity in recovery, and the significance of boundaries in kink dynamics.

Find Ralf here:

X (Twitter): RealClearFetish

Instagram: @realclearfetish

Bluesky: @realclearfetish.bsky.social

Email: [email protected]

YouTube: https://youtube.com/@realclearfetish

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0t1b6ylbLxThpAQmXgEffH?si=trxdBJwwSkGnaUvjYQUwzQ

Apple Podcasts:

https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/realclearfetish-talks-realclearplay/id1608329714
Takeaways

You can enjoy sex even more after recovery.
The sober fetish scene offers connection and acceptance.
Empowerment comes from rewriting the rules of recovery.
Kink can be a path to healing and self-discovery.
Navigating triggers is a crucial part of recovery.
Creativity plays a vital role in the recovery journey.
Community support is essential for healing.
Exploring fetishes can be a trial and error process.
Reclaiming power through kink can be therapeutic.
Consent and boundaries are fundamental in kink. Consent is crucial in kink dynamics, even in non-consent scenes.
Sober sex can be rewarding but may feel awkward initially.
Intimacy in kink involves trust and vulnerability.
Establishing boundaries is essential for safe play.
Mindful exploration of kinks can enhance self-awareness.
Communication is key to navigating recovery and kink.
Finding trustworthy partners is vital for a positive experience.
Kink can provide a sense of community and connection.
It's important to allow oneself to be awkward in new experiences.
Sex should be fun and playful, not serious or anxiety-inducing.

The AfterMeth:

Join our Facebook Community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/theaftermeth/

Dr. Dallas Bragg

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drdallasbragg/

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

EP 1:25 The Meth-y Things We Do with Holden

The AfterMeth: Gay Men Recovering from Crystal Methamphetamine Addiction

08/29/24 • 59 min

https://linktr.ee/HBSwanson

Supplemental Study Guide: https://www.drdallasbragg.com/newsletters/blog/posts/the-meth-y-things-we-do

Holden, the author of 'Hold'n It Down,' shares his experiences with addiction, sex, and recovery. He discusses his journey from being a meth addict to finding sobriety and self-awareness. Our discussion dives into the propensity of meth to lower inhibitions and push the taboo envelope. The conversation highlights the need for support and understanding in the recovery process. Holden emphasizes the importance of self-discovery, exploring one's own body, and redefining intimacy in sobriety. He also talks about his podcast, Sober Unicorn, and the need for inclusive spaces in the recovery community.

Find Holden here:

The AfterMeth:

Join our Facebook Community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/theaftermeth/

Dr. Dallas Bragg

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drdallasbragg/

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

EP 1:22 When the Universe Gives You a Decision Point with Mausjohn

The AfterMeth: Gay Men Recovering from Crystal Methamphetamine Addiction

08/08/24 • 54 min

Supplemental Study Guide: https://www.drdallasbragg.com/newsletters/blog/posts/the-point-of-no-return
In this episode, Dr. Dallas Bragg interviews Mausjohn, a recovering addict, about his struggle with addiction to crystal meth. He discusses his involvement in the ballroom scene and how drugs were prevalent within that community.
The turning point for Mausjohn was a decision point the Universe delivered that put him on a new trajectory. Listen to hear the full story!
Mausjohn also discusses the challenges faced by African American gay men in addiction recovery and the need for more support and resources tailored to their experiences.
Contact Mausjohn: [email protected]

The AfterMeth:

Join our Facebook Community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/theaftermeth/

Dr. Dallas Bragg

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drdallasbragg/

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

EP 1:21 Meditation in Recovery with Jason (and JOMO)

The AfterMeth: Gay Men Recovering from Crystal Methamphetamine Addiction

07/31/24 • 81 min

Supplementary Study Guide: https://www.drdallasbragg.com/newsletters/blog/posts/meditation-in-recovery
In this episode, Dr. Dallas Bragg interviews Jason Linney, a meditation teacher, about the benefits of meditation for addiction recovery. They discuss the misconception that meditation is about stopping thoughts and explain that it is actually about awareness and non-judgment of thoughts. They also talk about the importance of consistency in meditation practice and how it can help reduce anxiety and stress. The conversation emphasizes the proactive and preventative nature of meditation, as well as the positive impact it can have on one's overall well-being.

Find Monkey Mind Meditation here:

https://www.tiktok.com/@monkeymindmeditation?lang=en
Sign up for Jason's Meditation Course:
https://stan.store/Monkeymind_Meditation
Use Code DALLAS1 for 15%

The AfterMeth:

Join our Facebook Community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/theaftermeth/

Dr. Dallas Bragg

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drdallasbragg/

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

EP 1:29 Permission to Heal: Overcoming Resistance in Addiction Recovery with Matthew

The AfterMeth: Gay Men Recovering from Crystal Methamphetamine Addiction

09/19/24 • 58 min

Supplemental Study Guide: https://www.drdallasbragg.com/newsletters/blog/posts/permission-to-heal-in-recovery

Matthew Fuller is a friend, colleague, and kick-ass Certified Coach, and I was honored to sit down with him for this week's podcast episode. Quitting meth is often the easy part of recovery; the hard work lies in self-awareness, trauma healing, and cultivating radical change. Matthew talks about the complexities of change in addiction recovery. We explore the natural fear and resistance that often accompanies change, emphasizing the importance of self-compassion and taking small, manageable steps.

The discussion highlights several key points:

Embracing fear: Acknowledging and accepting fear as a normal part of the change process.
Mindful observation: The power of noticing one's thoughts without judgment rather than getting caught in self-criticism.
Emotional management: Developing a healthy relationship with emotions, including detaching from negative feelings and not letting them define one's sense of success.
Body awareness: Reconnecting with physical sensations and using them as a tool for healing.
Self-relationship: The journey of building trust with oneself through small, achievable goals.
Positive outlook: Cultivating openness to new perspectives and embracing positivity in recovery.

Grab a pen and paper y'all; you'll want to take copious notes.
Find Matthew Fuller (he/him) ACC - ICF here:
linktr.ee/matthewctfuller

www.matthewctfuller.com

From Matthew:
I am a queer Canadian living in the UK. I'm passionate about LGBTQIA+ issues, the arts, fitness, and travel. I work to inspire and support others in navigating changes as they work toward happier and more fulfilling lives. I understand how challenging it is to keep pushing forward despite setbacks on this path of personal development which is why I always say, 'this stuff is not easy, but I know you can do it!'

I am a Change and Accountabillity coach using cognitive behavioural coaching, mindfulness, and other scientifically backed methods to help people transform their lives. I work with individuals and organisations on Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) projects, addiction recovery/sobriety, and performance enhancement, both professionally and personally. Change is hard, but necessary to live the lives we’ve always dreamed of so I help people to break it down into something that is doable.

The AfterMeth:

Join our Facebook Community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/theaftermeth/

Dr. Dallas Bragg

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drdallasbragg/