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

Processing Chems//x Triggers

16 Oct 2026 · 1 min

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In this brief dialogue, Speaker A shares how participation in SMART Recovery introduced them to cognitive‑behavioral therapy (CBT) techniques for challenging unhelpful thoughts. By practicing these skills, they create a mental “wedge”—a pause between a trigger and substance use—allowing space to consider alternative actions and to reach out for support, such as texting a trusted contact named Zach. Speaker A emphasizes that the longer this wedge is maintained, the higher the chance of staying sober. They also note that SMART Recovery does not prescribe a rigid step‑by‑step program; instead, it offers a flexible menu of strategies that can be applied as needed. Speaker B provides brief affirmation, underscoring the conversational, supportive tone of the exchange.

where my life changed through SMART Recovery is learning how to challenge my unhelpful thoughts, which again is classic cognitive behavioral therapy, but something I didn't learn and I didn't have that skill. So with practice, I can— I get that space between my trigger and my use. And in that space, I can challenge my unhelpful thought. I can think about what to do instead. I can remember that Zach said I could text him anytime.
Mm-hmm.
You know, the longer I can make that wedge between my thought and my use, the better the odds are that I'm going to be okay. So that's where, that's where all, you know, all the— they're not steps. It's not a staircase. Right, right. It's just a menu of things that you can try at different times.