Chemical World | April 2026

Chemical World | April 2026

Curious about how others navigate their sobriety journey? Chemical World’s April 2026 instalment brings a raw, funny and very real chat about living, parenting and surviving in what the hosts call “a very drug-based culture.” Membership director and “chemical girl” Kenna Crampton teams up with peer recovery coach Mugsy Faye to talk about the everyday chemicals people lean on: caffeine, sugar, cannabis, nicotine and prescription meds.

Kenna shares her recent week-long break from cannabis and the shock of taking “a little tiny poof” only to get an intense pressure headache, while Mugsy reflects on relying on weed to stay regulated enough to parent.

There’s zero judgement here; as Kenna puts it, “Whatever’s keeping you alive today is what I always say.” The conversation moves into psychiatric medication, with both hosts on SSRIs and unpacking the fear of “losing yourself” on meds versus the relief of finally having emotions dialled back enough to get out of bed, go for a walk and feed the kids.

They stress baby steps and harm reduction over perfection, laughing that this is them “adulting” now: talking about prescribed meds and legal drugs instead of cocaine. Harm reduction on a community level takes centre stage too. Mugsy shares a bathroom anecdote from a ski resort closing party—overhearing someone talk about a k‑hole and a bump—to highlight how normalised illicit drug use is, and why Narcan and fentanyl test strips matter.

High Rockies Harm Reduction’s mobile services, free supplies and low-barrier support come up as practical lifelines for anyone who uses or loves someone who does. Woven through are shout-outs to community radio supporters, rising food costs, parenting with depression, and the mantra that “you do not have to be sober to keep your community clean.” If you’re juggling mental health, substances and real life, this one will feel very familiar—maybe even a bit comforting.