The Chemsex Survivor Empowering LGBTQIA+ Recovery

Ben Kaye shares his powerful story of recovery after years caught in the world of chemsex—a term used to describe using drugs like crystal meth, GBL, and mephedrone to enhance sex, lower inhibitions, and feel more connected during sexual encounters, especially within the LGBTQ+ community. What started as weekend partying turned into daily drug use and emotional isolation. Ben opens up about how trauma, loneliness, and the search for love led him to addiction, including injecting meth to feel a sense of control and connection. In this honest and eye-opening conversation, Ben explains how chemsex became his way of coping, and how treatment, community, and time helped him rebuild his life. Now a therapist, he helps others find healing too.   00:00 – Intro: Meet Ben Kaye 01:05 – An idyllic childhood shattered at 15 02:21 – First experiences with substances 04:00 – Moving to London, coming out, and the party scene 05:30 – Why the party lifestyle became so appealing 07:00 – Functioning addict or barely functioning? 08:22 – When weekend use turned into daily meth use 09:27 – Injecting crystal meth: how it started 10:45 – What is Chemsex? Breaking it down 12:00 – The rise of Chemsex culture and hookup apps 13:10 – Why young people are at risk 14:24 – Looking for love, not just drugs 15:30 – What intimacy looks like without drugs 16:50 – How Ben got help and started recovery 18:28 – The mental health impact of heavy drug use 20:00 – Starting over through treatment and support 21:50 – Learning to enjoy life sober 23:00 – Becoming a therapist and helping others 25:00 – Advice for anyone starting recovery   🔔 Subscribe for more real stories of healing and hope. 📲 Connect with Ben: https://benkayetherapy.com | @justbenkaye 🎙️ Ben’s Podcast: Really Queer on Spotify & Apple Podcasts ----Across the Web---- 🌎 CCAR Website https://www.ccar.us ✉️ Donate: https://ccar.us/donate/ 🎙Recovery Matters Podcast (Apple Music): https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast... 🎙Recovery Matters Podcast (Spotify): https://open.spotify.com/show/1wGUMMO... 🗣Recovery Matters Podcast TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@recoverymatterspodcast? 🗣Recovery Matters Podcast Instagram https://www.instagram.com/recoverymatterspodcast/ 🗣CCAR Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CCAR4Recovery 📸CCAR Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ccar4recovery 🐦CCAR Twitter: https://twitter.com/ccar4recovery