About Mell McCracken (they/them), CADC-II, ASAT, RACS
Mell McCracken is the Executive Director of No Matter What Recovery, serving as the administrative leader of the clinical treatment program. Mell also directs and oversees clinical programming for our sexualized drug use track.
Mell is a fierce advocate for healing and transformation through substance abuse counseling, sex addiction therapy, and treatment program development. They have extensive expertise in empowering individuals to overcome their struggles with addiction and navigate the complexities of chemsex in the rainbow community.
Mell is nationally and internationally recognized as an LGBT+ educator, co-author, and treatment provider. They also serve as faculty member at the International Institute of Trauma and Addiction Specialists. Mell is committed to uplifting voices and breaking stigmas one conversation at a time. Mell has spent their career fighting for inclusivity and empowerment through chemsex education and LGBT+ activism.
Chemical Desire, Ethical Dilemmas: Exploring Moral Injury in Sexualized Drug Use
Sexualized drug use (SDU) presents complex psychological and ethical challenges, particularly when individuals experience moral injury. Moral injury is an internal conflict arising from actions that violate personal values and principles. This presentation explores the intersection of substance use, sexual behavior, and moral distress, examining how altered states impact decision making, consent, and long term well-being. Drawing from recent research, we analyze the psychological toll of SDU, particularly in high-risk communities, and discuss harm reduction strategies, therapeutic interventions, and support systems to mitigate its negative consequences.
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Following this presentation, participants will be able to:
1) Understand the Concept of Moral Injury – Define moral injury and explain how it applies to individuals engaged in sexualized drug use, particularly in relation to guilt, shame, and personal identity.
2) Identify the Psychological and Pychospiritual impacts of chemsex – Explore how altered states from substance use influence decision making, consent, and long term emotional and spiritual well-being.
3) Identify Strategies for Prevention and Support – Discuss personal values centered approaches, therapeutic interventions, and support systems that can help individuals navigate the risks and consequences of sexualized drug use as well as the spiritual healing aspects of treatment planning.
Where you can see my presentation:
California Pathways to Practice Symposium, Virtual Speaker Series
Friday, January 16, 2026
8:00-9:30 am Pacific Time
​​Course meets the qualifications for 1.5 hours of continuing education credit for LMFTs, LCSWs, LPCCs as required by the California Board of Behavioral Sciences.
This event is intended to be accessible to all. If financial barriers would otherwise prevent your attendance, please reach out to Robyn@alignedcarecenter.com to discuss financial accommodations. For other accommodations, please click here for more information.
We extend our gratitude to the sponsor of this presentation for making it possible for us to compensate the speaker and make this event accessible. ​
