Escaping from Drug Addiction to Sobriety and Recovery: "Brandon's" Story

Escaping from Drug Addiction to Sobriety and Recovery: "Brandon's" Story

"I chose me." - Brandon In this deeply personal episode of the Just Drawz Podcast, we sit down with Brandon, who courageously shares his journey through addiction, recovery, and what it means to choose healing one day at a time. Together, we have an honest conversation about substance use in the LGBTQ+ community, particularly among Black gay men, and examine the factors that often go unspoken: the search for belonging, the pressures of certain social spaces, mental health, trauma, loneliness, and the courage it takes to ask for help. Brandon opens up about his life before recovery, his experience living in a sober living community, and the lessons he's learning as he continues to rebuild his life. His story is one of accountability, 6resilience, and hope. This episode is not about judging people or sensationalizing addiction. It's about understanding how people become hooked, celebrating the possibility of healing, and reminding anyone who may be struggling that recovery is possible and that no one has to walk that journey alone. A Gentle Note: This conversation explores the realities of addiction and the path toward recovery. We encourage you to prioritize your well-being as you listen. Should you or a loved one need a safe space to turn, the SAMHSA National Helpline offers free, private support around the clock at 1-800-662-HELP (4357). Remember, you are never truly alone. "Just...Hooked Yet Healing" Resources: Narcotics Anonymous “Big Book”: https://drive.google.com/file/d/11Qlxqbxikq802gFA_71ueeqR-3dCjT74/view?usp=drive_link  [https://drive.google.com/file/d/11Qlxqbxikq802gFA_71ueeqR-3dCjT74/view?usp=drive_link ] 12 Steps Infographic:  https://i5.walmartimages.com/seo/The-12-Steps-of-Alcoholics-Anonymous-Poster-therapy-Wall-Art-for-Living-Room-Bedroom-Aesthetics-Decor_d7d24baa-7da5-4c41-9f14-082ed5f35165.4322afac7c38836c975ba972343e638b.jpeg?odnHeight=768&odnWidth=768&odnBg=FFFFFF  [https://i5.walmartimages.com/seo/The-12-Steps-of-Alcoholics-Anonymous-Poster-therapy-Wall-Art-for-Living-Room-Bedroom-Aesthetics-Decor_d7d24baa-7da5-4c41-9f14-082ed5f35165.4322afac7c38836c975ba972343e638b.jpeg?odnHeight=768&odnWidth=768&odnBg=FFFFFF ] 12 Traditions of Narcotics Anonymous: https://www.google.com/imgres?imgurl=https://imgv2-1-f.scribdassets.com/img/document/939172370/original/96ac6c5a63/1?v%3D1&tbnid=9MWIwnvy9xbx4M&vet=1&imgrefurl=https://www.scribd.com/document/939172370/12-Traditions-of-NA&docid=1smRxstoSbHE1M&w=768&h=1024&hl=en-US&source=sh/x/im/m1/3&kgs=826230aef3293e70&shem=epsd1,nisbtsac,rimspwouoe&utm_source=epsd1,nisbtsac,rimspwouoe,sh/x/im/m1/3  [https://www.google.com/imgres?imgurl=https://imgv2-1-f.scribdassets.com/img/document/939172370/original/96ac6c5a63/1?v%3D1&tbnid=9MWIwnvy9xbx4M&vet=1&imgrefurl=https://www.scribd.com/document/939172370/12-Traditions-of-NA&docid=1smRxstoSbHE1M&w=768&h=1024&hl=en-US&source=sh/x/im/m1/3&kgs=826230aef3293e70&shem=epsd1,nisbtsac,rimspwouoe&utm_source=epsd1,nisbtsac,rimspwouoe,sh/x/im/m1/3 ] Crisis Help: www.samhsa.gov [www.samhsa.gov]  | TEXT NUMBER: Text your zip code to 435748 Listen to Our 90’s Playlist: YouTube Music: https://music.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLTzaf4yOmTtwfewr5Lq5jTB9Y5JvKg8lh&si=Lqv2Xassq-woeJUA Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/4xX9SSUHjjxdk7CkqUHUuN Apple Music:  https://music.apple.com/us/playlist/the-just-drawz-podcast-presents-decades-the-90s/pl.u-06oxDB6uJNjgJe _______________________________ Hosts: DMC: ⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/kklothesminded [https://www.instagram.com/kklothesminded/%E2%81%A0%E2%81%A0] ⁠⁠⁠https://x.com/DMCureton⁠⁠⁠ [https://x.com/DMCureton%E2%81%A0%E2%81%A0] ⁠https://linktr.ee/deeemcee⁠ [https://linktr.ee/deeemcee] Jeff: ⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/jefflevelsup [https://www.instagram.com/jefflevelsup/%E2%81%A0] ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.x.com/jefflevelsup [https://www.x.com/jefflevelsup/%E2%81%A0%E2%81%A0] ⁠https://linktr.ee/jefflevelsup⁠ [https://linktr.ee/jefflevelsup] _______________________________ Just Drawz on Social Media: ⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/thejustdrawzpodcast [https://www.instagram.com/thejustdrawzpodcast/%E2%81%A0%E2%81%A0%E2%81%A0%E2%81%A0%E2%81%A0] ⁠https://linktr.ee/JustDrawz⁠ [https://linktr.ee/JustDrawz] _______________________________ Edited and produced by:⁠⁠⁠ https://www.instagram.com/kklothesminded [https://www.instagram.com/kklothesminded/%E2%81%A0%E2%81%A0] ⁠ [https://www.instagram.com/kklothesminded/%E2%81%A0%E2%81%A0]⁠⁠⁠_______________________________ Music: "Neptunes" - by Black Assassin - ⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/blk_assassin [https://www.instagram.com/blk_assassin/%E2%81%A0%E2%81%A0]

Are We Sure We're Not a Monolith? Unspoken Rules of Black Gay Culture with HellaChisme

Surprise!! Darius and Jeff of JustDrawz have linked up with Dana from HellaChisme to bring you a supersized and extra long episode combining all of our personalities together! The topic is the Black Gay Monolith. Are we as a culture monolithic? Do we always put the same artists, content creators, and cultural moments on? If so, why do we always say “We are not a monolith” then?Well we dive into that thinking and challenge ourselves and you to talking about this. Are we really the same? Or do we have just enough differences as a culture? Watch and listen to our takes on this special collaboration!Be sure to check watch, like, and subscribe to HellaChisme [https://linktr.ee/hellachismepodcast] as well! “Just… Monolithic” _______________________________ Key Topics: * Defining the Black Gay Monolith. * Challenging the thought of community versus the perception of conformity. * Are Black Gay Men allowing different or quieter voices the space to be heard or feel seen? * How does desirability factor in who we 'put on'? _______________________________ Listen to Our 90’s Playlist: YouTube Music: https://music.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLTzaf4yOmTtwfewr5Lq5jTB9Y5JvKg8lh&si=Lqv2Xassq-woeJUA Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/4xX9SSUHjjxdk7CkqUHUuN Apple Music:  https://music.apple.com/us/playlist/the-just-drawz-podcast-presents-decades-the-90s/pl.u-06oxDB6uJNjgJe _______________________________ Special Guest Host: Dana: https://linktr.ee/hellachismepodcast [https://linktr.ee/hellachismepodcast]https://www.instagram.com/hellachismepod/ [https://www.instagram.com/hellachismepod/] Hosts: DMC: ⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/kklothesminded [https://www.instagram.com/kklothesminded/%E2%81%A0%E2%81%A0] ⁠⁠⁠https://x.com/DMCureton⁠⁠⁠ [https://x.com/DMCureton%E2%81%A0%E2%81%A0] ⁠https://linktr.ee/deeemcee⁠ [https://linktr.ee/deeemcee] Jeff: ⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/jefflevelsup [https://www.instagram.com/jefflevelsup/%E2%81%A0] ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.x.com/jefflevelsup [https://www.x.com/jefflevelsup/%E2%81%A0%E2%81%A0] ⁠https://linktr.ee/jefflevelsup⁠ [https://linktr.ee/jefflevelsup] _______________________________ Just Drawz on Social Media: ⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/thejustdrawzpodcast [https://www.instagram.com/thejustdrawzpodcast/%E2%81%A0%E2%81%A0%E2%81%A0%E2%81%A0%E2%81%A0] ⁠https://linktr.ee/JustDrawz⁠ [https://linktr.ee/JustDrawz] _______________________________ Edited and produced by:⁠⁠⁠ https://www.instagram.com/hellachismepod/ [https://www.instagram.com/hellachismepod/] ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/jefflevelsup [https://www.instagram.com/jefflevelsup/%E2%81%A0] _______________________________ Music: "Neptunes" - by Black Assassin - ⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/blk_assassin [https://www.instagram.com/blk_assassin/%E2%81%A0%E2%81%A0] _______________________________ Keywords: acceptance, achievement, authenticity, Black and brown men, Black gay men, boundaries, collaboration, communication, emotional healing, expectations, future aspirations, gay,  healing, honest conversations, identity, independence, industry insights, influence, legacy, LGBTQ, LGBTQ relationships, LGBTQ+, LGBTQIA, LGBTQIA+, masculinity, mental health, personal growth, queerness, recognition, relationship dynamics, relationships, safe spaces, Same gender loving,improvement, self love, self reflections, self-discovery, self-perception, sexual exploration, SGL, social media, societal perceptions, success, support, vulnerability _______________________________ #JustDrawz #Acceptance #Achievement #Authenticity #BlackAndBrownMen #BlackGayMen #BlackMen #Boundaries #Collaboration #Communication #CulturalDifferences #EmotionalHealing #Expectations #Family #FutureAspirations #Gay #GayMarriage #Healing #HonestConversations #Identity #Independence #LGBTQ #LGBTQRelationships #LGBTQPlus #LGBTQIA #LGBTQIAPlus #Love #Marriage #MarriageViews #Masculinity #MentalHealth #PersonalGrowth #Queerness #Recognition #RelationshipDynamics #Relationships #SafeSpaces #SameGenderLoving #advice #SelfImprovement #SelfLove #SelfReflections #SelfDiscovery #SGL #bodyimage #Success #Support #Vulnerability #5050 #cheating #lying #manipulation #boundaries #bodyimage

Giving Advice from r/AskBlackGayBros, r/AskGayBlackMen, and Other Subreddits - Part 2

And we are wrapping it up with this edition of our advice series. On this one, we’re dealing with hairy Black men, if watching adult content is cheating, struggling with smell and taste, checking your best friend pushing up on your boyfriend, and more! “Just… Unsolicited Advice: 3 Part 2” _______________________________ Key Topics: * Relationship honesty and trust. * Personal growth and second acts in your 30s. * Building authentic connections without social media. * Overcoming body image issues and self-acceptance. _______________________________ Listen to Our 90’s Playlist: YouTube Music: https://music.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLTzaf4yOmTtwfewr5Lq5jTB9Y5JvKg8lh&si=Lqv2Xassq-woeJUA Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/4xX9SSUHjjxdk7CkqUHUuN Apple Music:  https://music.apple.com/us/playlist/the-just-drawz-podcast-presents-decades-the-90s/pl.u-06oxDB6uJNjgJe _______________________________ Guests: John: https://www.instagram.com/stories/mrbradfordjr [https://www.instagram.com/stories/mrbradfordjr/] Hosts: DMC: ⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/kklothesminded [https://www.instagram.com/kklothesminded/%E2%81%A0%E2%81%A0] ⁠⁠⁠https://x.com/DMCureton⁠⁠⁠ [https://x.com/DMCureton%E2%81%A0%E2%81%A0] ⁠https://linktr.ee/deeemcee⁠ [https://linktr.ee/deeemcee] Jeff: ⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/jefflevelsup [https://www.instagram.com/jefflevelsup/%E2%81%A0] ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.x.com/jefflevelsup [https://www.x.com/jefflevelsup/%E2%81%A0%E2%81%A0] ⁠https://linktr.ee/jefflevelsup⁠ [https://linktr.ee/jefflevelsup] _______________________________ Just Drawz on Social Media: ⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/thejustdrawzpodcast [https://www.instagram.com/thejustdrawzpodcast/%E2%81%A0%E2%81%A0%E2%81%A0%E2%81%A0%E2%81%A0] ⁠https://linktr.ee/JustDrawz⁠ [https://linktr.ee/JustDrawz] _______________________________ Edited and produced by:⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/kklothesminded⁠ [https://www.instagram.com/kklothesminded/%E2%81%A0%E2%81%A0]⁠⁠⁠_______________________________ Music: "Neptunes" - by Black Assassin - ⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/blk_assassin [https://www.instagram.com/blk_assassin/%E2%81%A0%E2%81%A0] _______________________________ Keywords: acceptance, achievement, authenticity, Black and brown men, Black gay men, boundaries, collaboration, communication, emotional healing, expectations, future aspirations, gay,  healing, honest conversations, identity, independence, industry insights, influence, legacy, LGBTQ, LGBTQ relationships, LGBTQ+, LGBTQIA, LGBTQIA+, masculinity, mental health, personal growth, queerness, recognition, relationship dynamics, relationships, safe spaces, Same gender loving,improvement, self love, self reflections, self-discovery, self-perception, sexual exploration, SGL, social media, societal perceptions, success, support, vulnerability _______________________________ #JustDrawz #Acceptance #Achievement #Authenticity #BlackAndBrownMen #BlackGayMen #BlackMen #Boundaries #Collaboration #Communication #CulturalDifferences #EmotionalHealing #Expectations #Family #FutureAspirations #Gay #GayMarriage #Healing #HonestConversations #Identity #Independence #LGBTQ #LGBTQRelationships #LGBTQPlus #LGBTQIA #LGBTQIAPlus #Love #Marriage #MarriageViews #Masculinity #MentalHealth #PersonalGrowth #Queerness #Recognition #RelationshipDynamics #Relationships #SafeSpaces #SameGenderLoving #advice #SelfImprovement #SelfLove #SelfReflections #SelfDiscovery #SGL #bodyimage #Success #Support #Vulnerability #5050 #cheating #lying #manipulation #boundaries #bodyimage

Reading Reddit Advice Stories - r/AskBlackGayBros, r/AskGayBlackMen, and Other Subreddits - Part 1

It’s that time again! We’re dishing out some good old fashioned Just Drawz advice and this time, John is back with us!You know how we do! In the first half, we’re covering what to do when your partner lies about a cheeseburger, the best ways to take advantage of your youth before getting ‘old’, finding gay friends without going to the bar, and getting comfortable going topless as a man and more! All of this with some personal stories and inspiration! “Just… Unsolicited Advice: 3 Part 1” _______________________________ Key Topics: * Relationship honesty and trust. * Personal growth and second acts in your 30s. * Building authentic connections without social media. * Overcoming body image issues and self-acceptance. _______________________________ Listen to Our 90’s Playlist: YouTube Music: https://music.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLTzaf4yOmTtwfewr5Lq5jTB9Y5JvKg8lh&si=Lqv2Xassq-woeJUA Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/4xX9SSUHjjxdk7CkqUHUuN Apple Music:  https://music.apple.com/us/playlist/the-just-drawz-podcast-presents-decades-the-90s/pl.u-06oxDB6uJNjgJe _______________________________ Guests: John: https://www.instagram.com/stories/mrbradfordjr [https://www.instagram.com/stories/mrbradfordjr/] Hosts: DMC: ⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/kklothesminded [https://www.instagram.com/kklothesminded/%E2%81%A0%E2%81%A0] ⁠⁠⁠https://x.com/DMCureton⁠⁠⁠ [https://x.com/DMCureton%E2%81%A0%E2%81%A0] ⁠https://linktr.ee/deeemcee⁠ [https://linktr.ee/deeemcee] Jeff: ⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/jefflevelsup [https://www.instagram.com/jefflevelsup/%E2%81%A0] ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.x.com/jefflevelsup [https://www.x.com/jefflevelsup/%E2%81%A0%E2%81%A0] ⁠https://linktr.ee/jefflevelsup⁠ [https://linktr.ee/jefflevelsup] _______________________________ Just Drawz on Social Media: ⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/thejustdrawzpodcast [https://www.instagram.com/thejustdrawzpodcast/%E2%81%A0%E2%81%A0%E2%81%A0%E2%81%A0%E2%81%A0] ⁠https://linktr.ee/JustDrawz⁠ [https://linktr.ee/JustDrawz] _______________________________ Edited and produced by:⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/kklothesminded⁠ [https://www.instagram.com/kklothesminded/%E2%81%A0%E2%81%A0]⁠⁠⁠_______________________________ Music: "Neptunes" - by Black Assassin - ⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/blk_assassin [https://www.instagram.com/blk_assassin/%E2%81%A0%E2%81%A0] _______________________________ Keywords: acceptance, achievement, authenticity, Black and brown men, Black gay men, boundaries, collaboration, communication, emotional healing, expectations, future aspirations, gay,  healing, honest conversations, identity, independence, industry insights, influence, legacy, LGBTQ, LGBTQ relationships, LGBTQ+, LGBTQIA, LGBTQIA+, masculinity, mental health, personal growth, queerness, recognition, relationship dynamics, relationships, safe spaces, Same gender loving, improvement, self love, self reflections, self-discovery, self-perception, sexual exploration, SGL, social media, societal perceptions, success, support, vulnerability _______________________________ #JustDrawz #Acceptance #Achievement #Authenticity #BlackAndBrownMen #BlackGayMen #BlackMen #Boundaries #Collaboration #Communication #CulturalDifferences #EmotionalHealing #Expectations #Family #FutureAspirations #Gay #GayMarriage #Healing #HonestConversations #Identity #Independence #LGBTQ #LGBTQRelationships #LGBTQPlus #LGBTQIA #LGBTQIAPlus #Love #Marriage #MarriageViews #Masculinity #MentalHealth #PersonalGrowth #Queerness #Recognition #RelationshipDynamics #Relationships #SafeSpaces #SameGenderLoving #advice #SelfImprovement #SelfLove #SelfReflections #SelfDiscovery #SGL #bodyimage #Success #Support #Vulnerability #5050 #cheating #lying #manipulation #boundaries #bodyimage

Diving Deeper into the 50/50 Relationship Theory. The dating, dowries, weddings and more!

Be sure to watch Part 1 of of this conversation first! We conclude the conversation on 50/50 relationships and dating. Anjeleigh, Ray, Jeff, and DMC talk about dating, transactional situations, and handling different responsibilities in today's dating world compared to the past. "Just... The 50/50 Theory: Part 2"_______________________________ Takeaways: * Why perfect equality is unrealistic and potentially unfair. * Emotional and financial contributions: balancing responsibility versus capacity. * Unlearning traditional gender roles and societal expectations around partnership. * The importance of full-hearted investment and showing up 100-100. * How reciprocity and intentionality shape healthy relationships. * The impact of cultural backgrounds and upbringing on partnership dynamics. * Flexibility in love: seasons of giving more or less. _______________________________ Listen to Our 90’s Playlist: YouTube Music: https://music.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLTzaf4yOmTtwfewr5Lq5jTB9Y5JvKg8lh&si=Lqv2Xassq-woeJUA Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/4xX9SSUHjjxdk7CkqUHUuN Apple Music:  https://music.apple.com/us/playlist/the-just-drawz-podcast-presents-decades-the-90s/pl.u-06oxDB6uJNjgJe _______________________________ Guests: Anjeleigh: https://www.instagram.com/anjeleighpart1 [https://www.instagram.com/anjeleighpart1] Ray: https://www.instagram.com/oquendoduke [https://www.instagram.com/oquendoduke/] Hosts: DMC: ⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/kklothesminded [https://www.instagram.com/kklothesminded/%E2%81%A0%E2%81%A0] ⁠⁠⁠https://x.com/DMCureton⁠⁠⁠ [https://x.com/DMCureton%E2%81%A0%E2%81%A0] ⁠https://linktr.ee/deeemcee⁠ [https://linktr.ee/deeemcee] Jeff: ⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/jefflevelsup [https://www.instagram.com/jefflevelsup/%E2%81%A0] ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.x.com/jefflevelsup [https://www.x.com/jefflevelsup/%E2%81%A0%E2%81%A0] ⁠https://linktr.ee/jefflevelsup⁠ [https://linktr.ee/jefflevelsup] _______________________________ Just Drawz on Social Media: ⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/thejustdrawzpodcast [https://www.instagram.com/thejustdrawzpodcast/%E2%81%A0%E2%81%A0%E2%81%A0%E2%81%A0%E2%81%A0] ⁠https://linktr.ee/JustDrawz⁠ [https://linktr.ee/JustDrawz] _______________________________ Edited and produced by:⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/jefflevelsup [https://www.instagram.com/jefflevelsup/%E2%81%A0%E2%81%A0%E2%81%A0] ⁠⁠⁠_______________________________ Music: "Neptunes" - by Black Assassin - ⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/blk_assassin [https://www.instagram.com/blk_assassin/%E2%81%A0%E2%81%A0] _______________________________ Keywords: acceptance, achievement, adult content, authenticity, Black and brown men, Black gay men, boundaries, collaboration, communication, cultural differences, emotional healing, expectations, family, future aspirations, gay, gay marriage, healing, honest conversations, identity, independence, industry insights, influence, legacy, LGBTQ, LGBTQ relationships, LGBTQ+, LGBTQIA, LGBTQIA+, love, marriage, marriage views, masculinity, mental health, personal growth, proposals, queerness, recognition, relationship dynamics, relationships, safe spaces, Same gender loving, same sex marrige, self improvement, self love, self reflections, self-discovery, self-perception, sexual exploration, SGL, social media, societal perceptions, success, support, vulnerability, 50-50 relationships, Partnership dynamics, Emotional contributions,Gender roles, mutual support in love, relationship flexibility, cultural impact on relationships, financial, balance in partnerships, unlearning societal norms, reciprocity in relationships _______________________________ #JustDrawz #Acceptance #Achievement #Authenticity #BlackAndBrownMen #BlackGayMen #Boundaries #Collaboration #Communication #CulturalDifferences #EmotionalHealing #Expectations #Family #FutureAspirations #Gay #GayMarriage #Healing #HonestConversations #Identity #Independence #LGBTQ #LGBTQRelationships #LGBTQPlus #LGBTQIA #LGBTQIAPlus #Love #Marriage #MarriageViews #Masculinity #MentalHealth #PersonalGrowth #Queerness #Recognition #RelationshipDynamics #Relationships #SafeSpaces #SameGenderLoving #SameSexMarriage #SelfImprovement #SelfLove #SelfReflections #SelfDiscovery #SGL #SocietalPerceptions #Success #Support #Vulnerability #5050 #reciprocity