Wholeness Healing Center

Lust, Men and Meth: A Gay Man’s Guide to Sex and Recovery

My friend and fellow hypnotherapist David Fawcett, PhD, published in 2106 Lust, Men and Meth: A Gay Man’s Guide to Sex and Recovery. I recently completed the book and would like to offer a few observations with encouragement to buy the book and settle in for some serious reading. Dr. Fawcett is a psychotherapist in Florida, and for over thirty years has worked in the field of gay men’s health. He frequently travels, presenting workshops and speaking. His wealth of experience and knowledge make this book interesting, as he refers to specific cases, as well as providing therapeutic suggestions.

The book is divided into three parts: I: The Perfect Storm; II: Exploring the Sexual Universe, and III: Restoring Your Life. There is also an Epilogue, Changing the Conversation about Gay Men’s Health, which perhaps should be recommended for all therapists providing services, summarily providing such great insights. The book also includes an Appendix, which I found helpful as it described other drugs used in conjunction with meth, and the impact they had on recovery. Detailed Notes, Recommended Readings on various topics discussed, and an Index complete the book.

“All addictive behaviors thrive in secrecy. We need to talk about meth, other problematic drug use, as well as the sociological and psychological factors that play a role in their appeal. Most important, we need to extract morality from our discussions and find real solutions building on the inherent strengths found in the gay community. Only by recognizing and building upon their many strengths will gay men be able to reduce the burden of stigma and shame that create ample opportunities for numbing and psychological escape, and form the social connections that can heal individuals, the community, and the greater society.” (Fawcett, p. 185)

While the focus of the book is on gay men and meth use, it is so much more, as it is almost a handbook for addiction, as well as healing the trauma that is the precursor of the addiction. In Chapter 4, Men, Drugs, and a Deadly Virus, in “Escaping Emotional Pain”, Fawcett addresses the stigma that exists in the LGBT population, increasing the pressure and the vulnerability leading to increased drug use. His descriptions and case specifics help the reader to really “see” how pervasive some of the damage certainly is. Yet Fawcett also balances that out, with the chapters on recovery, with stories of “the emotional resilience of millions of gay men who become strong, and productive members of the community in the face of bias, discrimination, and even hatred . . . ” (Fawcett, p. 57)

Fawcett visits emotions and the use of drugs to numb, the “inner child” and the concept of the healing process and how that is a part of addiction, shock and how to treat it, as well as the recovery, with mindfulness, gratitude, and self-nurturing. The latter part of the book features practices therapists can implement in working with those recovering, while the earlier parts of the book provide in-depth explanations of the process into the addiction.

I fear that this short review cannot do justice to the book, which is full of research, experience and knowledge, compassion and authenticity, as well as an empathetic insight so necessary to bring to light this insidious addiction and the devastating effect on this population.  I know David, and in the course of examining the book, I read his passion. One of the back cover recommendations is that THIS is the book every therapist working with the LGBT population should have as a resource. I echo that. I also know that Fawcett is available for speaking engagements, further working to educate all communities about the impact of meth and the recovery process in the LGBT community.  His wisdom, his voice, needs to be heard.

WORKS CITED

Fawcett, David, PhD. (2016) Lust, men and meth: a gay man’s guide to sex and recovery. Healing Path Press, Wilton Manors, FL.

Tags: addictive behaviors thrive in secrecy, handbook for addiction, healing the trauma that is the prevcursor of addiction