Dallas BraggFormer crystal methamphetamine user, I help men who have sex with men break free from the addictive patterns associated with Chemsex. Currently expanding my expertise by seeking to become a Certified

Being a gay father in meth recovery carries a shame most people never see. When I started my abstine

22 Jul 2026 · 1 min

Watch on YouTube

1:14

In this personal testimony, Dallas Bragg reflects on the compounded shame he experiences as a gay father battling meth addiction, HIV, divorce, and the impact on his children. He describes the overwhelming weight of multiple stigmas at the start of his abstinence journey and acknowledges the slow, painful nature of healing. Bragg offers a message of support to other parents in recovery, emphasizing the importance of being present, making right choices moment‑by‑moment, and trusting that shame will lessen over time. He expresses confidence that reconciliation with his own children and ex‑wife is possible and encourages listeners to hold onto hope that similar forgiveness can occur in their lives.

Chapters

Being a gay father with a past meth or current meth addiction adds another layer of shame to recovery. You know, when I was at the beginning of my abstinence journey, I was ashamed of being gay, ashamed of divorcing my wife, ashamed of what I did to my kids, ashamed of having HIV, ashamed of being an addict, and ashamed that I was addicted to meth. It can feel smothering and overwhelming To show up in the world carrying this weight. If you're a parent struggling with guilt and shame, I want you to hear this. The healing journey can be slow. It can be painful, and it can be heartbreaking. You want your loved ones to see how you're progressing. You want them to believe in you again. You want them to feel the hope that you feel, but you can't make them. Your only job right now is to be present. Be available. Be there for when they do see the light in your eyes. In every second, choose the right thing, and those seconds will add up. And I promise shame will subside and reconciliation will come. If my kids and my ex-wife came around after what I did to their lives, yours will too.