These are the drugs that got us through 2021

Prescription or not, these are the substances that helped us cope during a treacherous year

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We all found ways to cope with the tumult of a year that brought us everything from a coup attempt to racist violence, all against the backdrop of a deadly pandemic. We channeled existential dread outward into past times like plant parenthood and TikTok, and/or turned inward under the guidance of a therapist.

But many of us needed to directly alter our brain chemistry to find relief, whether through tripping on shrooms or starting on antidepressants. We spoke to 7 people about the drugs that helped them survive the dumpster fire of 2021.

*Some names changed to protect those worried about professional repercussions or stigma

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