Chemsex recovery coach Dallas Bragg argues the word addict matters less than asking whether meth use is harming your life. Frequency doesn't determine the problem. If it's causing negative consequences, that's what counts.
Am I an addict or not? That's a question I get asked often as a chemsex recovery coach. Why are you stuck on the label? And what difference will it make to you if you call yourself an addict or not? This is one of those words that carries stigma and context that creates an air of shame and identity. It can be very unhelpful for those trying to recover from crystal use. Men will say, I'm not an addict because I only use every weekend. Some define themselves as an addict because they use every weekend. What does it matter? Some say, I'm not an addict because I only use once a month, or every 3 months, or twice a year. I want you to reframe the question. Ask yourself, is my meth use negatively affecting my life? If the answer is yes, then that's the starting point. There's a problem. If you use meth once a month, you are still putting meth into your body. And if it is negatively affecting your life, then it is a problem, period. Meth use is meth use.
