Chemstories – a podcast about PnP/chemsex (English-language edition)15 Maj

30. YHZ Resilience-Pt. 2 — Giving Grace

In this second chapter of the YHZ Resilience flight, Halifax host Andrew guides Steven and James through a raw discussion on the complex intersection of trauma, shame, and recovery.

James opens up about how a strict religious upbringing led him to repress childhood abuse, and later, how chemsex became a way to enact a self-fulfilling prophecy of being "reduced to just a sex object". Steven explains how relapsing can feel doubly shameful when paired with experiences of sexual assault that occur during use, making it easier to "sweep under the rug" rather than face judgment.

The conversation shifts to the limitations of current support systems, critiquing traditional recovery models for their rigidity and lack of space to discuss sexual trauma openly. James describes finding solace in an Anonymous group initially but ultimately stepping away, finding more empowerment in personal accountability and therapy. Steven dreams of a recovery space specifically informed about chemsex.

The episode concludes with a powerful reflection on self-compassion, advising listeners to replace shame with curiosity.

If you’re looking for support, please explore our list of Chemsex resources/services.

🔗 Other Resources Mentioned

Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH)

Direction 180 : non-profit community-based opioid treatment program located in Halifax, Nova Scotia.

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Avsnitt(33)

32. YHZ Maturity-Pt. 2 — I Know What I Am

In this second and last segment of the YHZ Maturity flight, Halifax host Andrew concludes his conversation with Harry and Hector, focusing on the intersection of aging, HIV, and chemsex. The guests d...

22 Maj 29min

31. YHZ Maturity-Pt. 1 — Hey Harry & Hector

Halifax host Andrew introduces Harry and Hector, two older participants whose experiences challenge the typical narrative of youth and recklessness often associated with chemsex. Hector, who began usi...

21 Maj 30min

29. YHZ Resilience-Pt. 1 — Hey Steven & James

Halifax host Andrew opens a challenging yet necessary conversation with guests Steven and James, focusing on the intersection of chemsex, consent, and sexual trauma. Steven, five years into recovery,...

15 Maj 33min

28. YHZ Activism — Hey Andrew

In the inaugural episode of the YHZ Halifax flights, Investigator Olivier introduces local host Andrew, whose personal journey from daily chemsex use to becoming a key advocate in Nova Scotia shapes t...

8 Maj 27min

27. YHZ Prelude — Why It's Important, Halifax

In this prelude to the YHZ Halifax series, this episode centers on the central question of this podcast series: Why is it important for people with lived experience of PnP/chemsex to tell their own st...

8 Maj 8min

26. YUL Plurality-Pt. 3 — Unapologetically

Éric, Ally, and Michael address the lack of support and visibility for gender-diverse individuals in the chemsex scene. Éric emphasizes that amplifying these rare voices is essential to breaking isola...

1 Maj 26min

25. YUL Plurality-Pt. 2 — Gender Play

Éric, Ally, and Michael examine performative gender pressures. Éric used chemsex to escape hyper-masculinity while briefly embodying its "super version." Ally similarly built a masculine persona for a...

1 Maj 25min