Dallas Bragg tells people trying to stay sober during Pride season that FOMO will hit hard. Before you assume you're missing the party, ask what you actually fear losing: connection, validation, escape from shame, relief from stress. Once you know what you really need, you can give it to yourself sober.
Hey, if this is your first summer trying not to use chemsex, well, Pride and parties are going to be really hard. You're going to have a major case of FOMO. But here's what I want you to ask when you feel FOMO, is what are you really afraid of missing out on? Because I would bet it's not the chemsex. I'll bet it's connection. I'll bet it's validation. I'll bet it's an escape. I'll bet it's a relief from your shame. I'll bet it's a relief from emotional stress. I'll bet you have a tough job and you need some kind of break. That's what you're afraid of missing out on. And if you miss out on that, you're going to have to face everything full-on with a sober mind. And that is fucking scary. Whatever you're really afraid of missing out on is the key to answering the question of why you started with chemsex in the first place. Now you have some rich knowledge to use, solve the puzzle, and to stop using. Whatever you're afraid of missing out on with the chemsex party, give it to yourself.
