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On-Demand

Intensity vs. Connection: The Core Conflict Driving Chemsex

David Fawcett PhD, CST, CSAT
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Information

Recorded

  • -

Description

This training explores the central role of intensity-driven learning in chemsex and how it reshapes desire, behavior, and recovery trajectories. Moving beyond traditional addiction frameworks, participants will examine how substances paired with sexual experience create powerful, rapidly encoded arousal patterns that prioritize intensity over connection and meaning. The presentation introduces a clinically grounded model of the “intensity gap” to explain common recovery challenges such as anhedonia, euphoric recall, and difficulty re-engaging in relational intimacy. Attendees will leave with practical, immediately applicable tools to help clients retrain arousal, rebuild meaning-based connection, and navigate recovery without relying on high-intensity reinforcement.

Educational Goal

The educational goal of this workshop is to increase clinicians' understanding of how intensity-driven erotic learning shapes chemsex behavior and recovery, enabling them to recognize the clinical impact of the "intensity gap" and apply evidence-informed interventions that promote sustainable recovery, relational intimacy, and healthy sexual reintegration.

Learning Objectives

Participants will be able to:

  • Explain at least two neurobiological mechanisms of how chemsex functions as an accelerated form of erotic learning driven by intensity and dopamine-based conditioning.

  • Identify three key clinical phenomena associated with the “intensity gap,” including anhedonia, euphoric recall, and disrupted intimacy.

  • Apply at least three practical interventions (e.g., intensity mapping, “finish the story,” and meaning-based arousal strategies) to support sustainable recovery and sexual reintegration.

Target Audience

  • Addiction Professional
  • Counselor
  • Marriage & Family Therapist
  • Nurse
  • Physician
  • Psychologist
  • Social Worker

Presenters

David Fawcett PhD, CST, CSAT
David Fawcett, PhD, CST, CSAT, is a psychotherapist and sex therapist specializing in sexualized drug use (chemsex), LGBTQ+ issues, trauma, and mental health concerns related to physical illness. He is the author of “Lust, Men, and Meth: A Gay Man’s Guide to Sex and Recovery, Sex Under the Influence: Understanding and Healing from Sexualized Drug Use,” and “Lust, Men, and Meth: A Study Guide.” Dr. Fawcett co-created the residential treatment program for sex, porn, and chemsex addiction at Seeking Integrity, serves on the faculty for IITAP’s Rainbow Advocate training program, and consults with organizations in the U.S. and Europe on clinical practices and guidelines for substance misuse and mental health. He is also the executive producer of two chemsex-related documentaries and operates a chemsex support channel (@davidfawcettchemsex) on TikTok, Instagram, and other platforms.

Financially Sponsored By

  • The Meadows