Summary

Dr. Dallas Bragg discusses his personal journey with meth addiction and recovery, as well as his work in helping gay men overcome addiction. He shares his experiences growing up in a conservative environment, struggling with shame and self-loathing, and using education as a way to numb his pain. Dr. Bragg talks about the challenges of coming out later in life and the unrealistic expectations he had of the gay community. He also delves into the connection between older gay men, meth use, and the exploitation of younger men. The conversation highlights the need for the LGBTQ+ community to address trauma and unpack the issues that have been ignored for so long. In this conversation, Brian Banks and Dr. Dallas Bragg discuss the challenges faced by gay men in the LGBTQ+ community when it comes to addiction and HIV. They highlight the stigma and shame associated with these issues and the lack of understanding and support from institutions and healthcare providers. Dr. Dallas Bragg shares his personal journey of overcoming addiction and the work he is doing to help others through his program and podcast, 'After Myth'. They also touch on the importance of therapy, guided meditation, and reframing relapse in the recovery process.

Keywords

meth addiction, recovery, gay men, shame, self-loathing, coming out, expectations, older men, younger men, trauma, gay men, addiction, HIV, stigma, shame, support, institutions, healthcare providers, journey, recovery, therapy, guided meditation, reframing relapse

Takeaways

Meth addiction can be a significant issue within the gay community, and recovery requires addressing underlying trauma and seeking support.

Coming out later in life can be challenging, as there may be unrealistic expectations of acceptance and belonging within the gay community.

Older gay men may exploit younger men by providing drugs as a means of attachment, leading to a cycle of addiction and dependency.

The LGBTQ+ community needs to address trauma and unpack the issues that have been ignored for too long in order to foster healing and growth. Gay men in the LGBTQ+ community face unique challenges when it comes to addiction and HIV, including stigma and shame.

There is a lack of understanding and support from institutions and healthcare providers for gay men dealing with addiction and HIV.

Dr. Dallas Bragg shares his personal journey of overcoming addiction and the work he is doing to help others through his program and podcast, 'After Myth'.

Therapy, guided meditation, and reframing relapse are important tools in the recovery process for gay men.

It is crucial to educate and support individuals in the LGBTQ+ community to prevent and address addiction and HIV.

Sound Bites

"I got every degree that I could possibly get. And then once I got my doctorate, I went straight into crystal meth."

"I immediately fell in love with him. Of course he disappeared, you know, forever, for a long time after that, doing whatever he was doing. But then, then I would, of course, as you know, you, you start chasing that first time and that, that the experience never happened again. I fell in love with every one of them."

"You have to, for me, I heard more about how feminine I sound and act when I first came out than I ever did when I was closeted from gay people judging me."

"Gay men in our community would have the balls to judge."

"And you should also know better than to ask me if I'm clean."

"You don't get ready if you stay ready."