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

You've been doing well. Maybe too well. And that's exactly when the mind starts whispering the most

1 Jun 2026 · 2 min

Watch on YouTube

1:42

In this recovery‑focused monologue, Dallas Bragg enumerates six prevalent self‑deceptive rationalizations that people in early sobriety often tell themselves just before a relapse. He labels each as a "lie": (1) the "I've earned it" belief that long‑term sobriety grants permission to use; (2) the "I have it under control" illusion that limited use won’t cause regret; (3) the "just one more" myth that a single episode won’t spiral; (4) the "nobody will find out" delusion that the behavior can stay hidden; (5) the "I don’t need apps blocked" denial of digital triggers; and (6) the "I have an excuse" narrative that external stressors justify use. For each, Bragg briefly explains why the thought is misleading and how it can propel a relapse. He ends by prompting viewers to identify which lie resonates with them and to consider concrete strategies to counteract that specific rationalization the next time it arises, fostering self‑awareness and proactive relapse prevention.

Chapters

Here are some common lies you tell yourself pre-relapse. Let's see if any of them sound familiar to you. Number 1, I've earned it. I have been so good and I have been in recovery for so long, I have earned it. No. Number 2, I have it under control. I can use Because I can do it and it won't be something that I regret. It will be contained. It'll just be for a night, right? Number 3, just one more time. Just one more hurrah. Just one more. I know I can. If you're saying— if you're planning just one more, it's not going to be just one more. Here we go. Nobody will find out. There is A lie that we'll tell ourselves that we can get away with it and no one will be affected. You tell that to work, friends, family who are trying to get to reach you the next day. Another one, don't need apps blocked. Oh, I don't need Grindr or Sniffies blocked. I don't need those sites blocked. I can do it without it. I'm strong enough. All right. And finally, I have an excuse. This happened in my life. This big emotional happening happened. Someone died, or there's a breakup, or someone hurt my feelings, or I can't believe this happened to me, or lost my job. I have an excuse to use. All of these are euphoric recall lies that will make you go right into a relapse. So which lie do you tell yourself, and how can you combat that the next time?