Supplemental Study Guide: https://www.drdallasbragg.com/newsletters/blog/posts/couples
In this episode of The AfterMeth Podcast, host Dr. Dallas Bragg interviews Joey Monahan, a certified coach and former meth user, about navigating relationships where one partner uses methamphetamine and the other doesn't. Joey shares his personal journey from first encountering meth in college through a cycle of use every three months, into his marriage with his husband Rolando, who was unaware of Joey's substance use history. The conversation addresses the critical lack of support resources for both users and their non-using partners, with Dr. Bragg noting how many gay men are surprised to discover their partners involved in the "Tina scene" and chemsex culture.
The episode focuses heavily on Joey's experience of relapsing after opening his relationship with Rolando, leading to a pivotal moment when his husband was about to leave. Joey's disclosure of his meth use became the catalyst for implementing what he calls "five commandments" for relationship recovery: closing the relationship immediately, enabling location tracking, removing apps and access to cruising spots, complete honesty, and entering a drug treatment program. Both men emphasize the importance of clear accountability and consequences rather than enabling behavior, while Joey credits Dr. Bragg's coaching program with helping him understand his "user persona" as a protective mechanism rather than something to hate. The conversation concludes with Joey discussing his new coaching venture, Gay Coach Joey, where he helps other gay men navigate shame and life transitions, demonstrating how the recovery process strengthened rather than destroyed his marriage.
Contact Coach Joey:
TT: @gaycoachjoey
IG: @gaycoachjoey
The AfterMeth:
Join our Facebook Community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/theaftermeth/
Dr. Dallas Bragg
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/drdallasbragg
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drdallasbragg/
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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
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