Fact, fiction, and function: Mythmaking and the social construction of ecstasy use

Myths and folklore about drugs represent important aspects of user subcultu res. This paper explores Ecstasy users' perceptions about drug folklore as it relates to the social relationships of drug user lifestyles. The data fo r the study were collected through indepth interviews with 50 current or fo rmer Ecstasy users in Northern Ireland. The findings indicate that although some Ecstasy users perceive the folklore to be an accurate reflection of r eality others report that social relations among users change with continue d usage, occur within selected venues, or are influenced by greater cultura l relations that characterize mainstream society.