Psychedelic Stigma
Kristina Eklund
I’ve done a lot of coming out in my life. Coming out as bisexual. Coming out as a survivor of childhood sexual abuse. Even coming out as the Shame Lady (ha!). My latest coming out may be the most controversial yet. I am coming out as having used MDMA, a psychedelic drug, in a therapeutic setting.
Don’t get me wrong here - I am NOT a proponent of drug abuse in any form. But as someone who has benefited tremendously from psychedelic medicine, I support research into legitimate therapeutic uses of MDMA and other psychedelic drugs.
I first wrote what was intended to be an anonymous article about my experience with MDMA-assisted psychotherapy as a gift - a contribution in support of the amazing work an organization called MAPS does. But when MAPS - the Multidisciplinary Association for Psychedelic Studies - asked if they could include my name and explained using my real name would help because of the stigma surrounding the use of MDMA. I thought, well, why not? I am The Shame Lady after all :)
No, I am not ashamed of having tried MDMA-assisted psychotherapy. In fact I’m very excited about it’s potential to help a lot of people like myself suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Two groups in particular stand to benefit tremendously: 1. veterans, and 2. adults who suffered from childhood abuse or neglect.
Read my article on the MAPS website here.
While you're at MAPS.org, check out some of the history and research on psychedelic medicine, as well as other resources and information on their site.
With love,
Kristina