The Chemsex Survivor Empowering LGBTQIA+ Recovery

Ben Kaye shares his powerful story of recovery after years caught in the world of chemsex—a term used to describe using drugs like crystal meth, GBL, and mephedrone to enhance sex, lower inhibitions, and feel more connected during sexual encounters, especially within the LGBTQ+ community. What started as weekend partying turned into daily drug use and emotional isolation. Ben opens up about how trauma, loneliness, and the search for love led him to addiction, including injecting meth to feel a sense of control and connection. In this honest and eye-opening conversation, Ben explains how chemsex became his way of coping, and how treatment, community, and time helped him rebuild his life. Now a therapist, he helps others find healing too.

00:00 – Intro: Meet Ben Kaye
01:05 – An idyllic childhood shattered at 15
02:21 – First experiences with substances
04:00 – Moving to London, coming out, and the party scene
05:30 – Why the party lifestyle became so appealing
07:00 – Functioning addict or barely functioning?
08:22 – When weekend use turned into daily meth use
09:27 – Injecting crystal meth: how it started
10:45 – What is Chemsex? Breaking it down
12:00 – The rise of Chemsex culture and hookup apps
13:10 – Why young people are at risk
14:24 – Looking for love, not just drugs
15:30 – What intimacy looks like without drugs
16:50 – How Ben got help and started recovery
18:28 – The mental health impact of heavy drug use
20:00 – Starting over through treatment and support
21:50 – Learning to enjoy life sober
23:00 – Becoming a therapist and helping others
25:00 – Advice for anyone starting recovery

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📲 Connect with Ben: https://benkayetherapy.com | @justbenkaye
🎙️ Ben’s Podcast: Really Queer on Spotify & Apple Podcasts

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