Virtual CHEMistry: Life and Connection Beyond Sexualized Drug Use
Wednesdays, 4:00–5:00 PM PST / 6:00–7:00 PM CST
Free. Drop-in — no registration or referral required.
Zoom link:
https://us06web.zoom.us/j/86942379540?pwd=2T6HZNimfo3AXSUvknKOVoVbvEkEkP.1
Meeting ID: 869 4237 9540
Passcode: 729883
Join No Matter What Recovery’s National Director of Chemsex and LGBTQ+ Programming, Mell McCracken (they/them), for a free weekly conversation on recovery from chemsex. This weekly group is recovery driven and will focus on navigating sexual recovery planning in sobriety. If you are interested in improving your sexual health, deepening your recovery, and connecting more effectively with yourself and others, then you are a candidate for participation. This group is for anyone seeking recovery from sex and meth, or any combination of sex and substances. This group is process-oriented and specific topics will vary from week to week. This is a support group, not a therapy group.
“The heart and the soul of No Matter What Recovery’s chemsex program is connection, and I can’t think of a better way to heal than sharing in your recovery with others in this free weekly format,” said McCracken. “Together we will explore more fulfilling levels of sobriety, sex, and intimacy.”
About Your Facilitator
Mell McCracken (they/them), CADC II, ASAT, RAE, is the National Director of Chemsex and LGBTQ+ Programming at No Matter What Recovery and an internationally recognized speaker on sexualized drug use. They have been educating clinicians and the public on chemsex for more than a decade.
What Is Sexualized Drug Use?
Sexualized drug use refers to the consumption of drugs specifically to enhance or facilitate sexual experiences. This practice often involves substances such as methamphetamine, GHB/GBL, and mephedrone, which are known to increase stamina, help sexual arousal, enhance pleasure, and reduce inhibitions during sexual activity.
The prevalence of this behavior within the LGBTQ+ community can be linked to various social and cultural dynamics, including the search for enhanced sexual experiences and social bonding. Studies from several countries showed that a proportion of men who have sex with men (MSM), ranging from 17% to 38.9%, practice chemsex. These studies indicate the need for targeted health interventions and support systems to address the associated risks.
Virtual CHEMistry is a free community group, not a level of care. For individuals who need clinical support, No Matter What Recovery offers dual diagnosis treatment in Los Angeles with a dedicated chemsex addiction program and LGBTQ+ affirming care.
