Chemsex Almost Ruined Him, Then He Won Mr Gay World

He won Mr Gay World 2025 — but before the crown, Giulio Spatola was fighting chemsex.Licensed therapist Michael Pezzullo sits down with Giulio for an unfiltered conversation about addiction, shame, and what recovery actually takes for gay men.In this interview, Giulio shares his personal journey through chemsex, what kept him trapped in the cycle, and how he rebuilt his life to get clean. We go beyond the story and break down the why — why so many gay men get pulled into chemsex, how shame and escape play a role, and what real recovery looks like from a therapist's perspective.If you or someone you love is struggling with chemsex or addiction, you are not alone and change is possible. This video is for education and conversation only and is not a substitute for therapy.Chapters00:00 Introduction to Giulio02:07 Giulio's entry into the chemsex scene07:21 The psychological appeal of chemsex10:11 The impact of neurodivergence on addiction26:03 How chemsex impacts gay men's sexuality31:04 Winning Mr. Gay World42:34 The importance of honesty and social support in recovery53:04 Exploring sober sex and masturbaton01:00:42 Giulio's advocacy work and future plans👉 Work With Me: https://www.michaelpezzullo.com/work-with-meSupport & Recovery Resources:- US: SAMHSA National Helpline 1-800-662-4357- UK: https://controllingchemsex.com/#gaymen #chemsex #addictionrecovery