'E' for ecstasy : a social study about ecstasy abuse in Malta

Abstract

'E' For Ecstasy offers an insight into the sub-culture of ecstasy use. Based on a qualitative study of ordinary young people, it explains how they make decisions about whether or not to try ecstasy and how some of them move into becoming regular consumers. The study offers an explanation of why despite parental angst, national drug prevention programmes, and a determined war on drugs, a number of young people still tum to substance abuse. The work argues that today's ecstasy consumers are likely to come from all social and educational backgrounds and cannot be written off as delinquent or people with no hope or future. 'E' For Ecstasy brings forward the argument that ecstasy is essentially a drug sub-culture forming part of the rave scene. Monitoring the use of leisure time and the significance of drug taking of a sample of seven people, the work builds a picture of how recreational drug use fits into the notions of 'time out' from the stresses and strains of growing up in a risky post-modem society. Ecstasy consumption is reported as a normal social activity for a number of people who also extend their psycho-active, pick and mix repertoire to other illegal substances. 'E' For Ecstasy shows that the drug decision-making processes that lead some men and women to use illegal substances are dynamic and ever changing. The study also reveals that a number of young Maltese have embraced recreational drug-use and have shaped a life-style that revolves around the use of illegal substances.