After countless pharmaceuticals, this writer found a drug that works — I grew up believing my brain would turn to fried eggs in the presence of drugs, and sizzling brains weren’t for me. My firm anti-drug manifesto was practical, not moral: “I’m smart, I need all of my brain cells, so keep your drugs.” …

In all my dealings with men, I’d never had the opportunity to verbally consent. Yes, I’m a feminist. Yes, rape culture and sexual assault are a factor of life for women. I gave sexual health and awareness lectures in college. But I’d spent my sexual career communicating non-verbally with my…