| Abstract | MDMA (3,4-methylenedioxy-methamphetamine or ‘ecstasy’) is well-known for its
empathic and sociable effects (Bogt, Engels, Hibbel & Van Wel, 2002). Indeed, there
is a body of work that discusses the role the drug plays in social bonding (Beck &
Rosenbaum, 1998; Duff, 2008; Farrugia, 2015; Hinchliff, 2001; Solowij, Hall & Lee,
1992). However, there has been extremely limited research looking at MDMA’s
impact specifically on romantic relationships (Vervaeke & Korf, 2006). Hence, this
thesis explored couples’ experiences of intimacy on MDMA and how this intertwines
with their relationship. Semi-structured interviews with ten couples, using visual
methods (Reavey, 2011; Del Busso, 2009; Majumdar, 2011), and eight individual
written diaries (Kenten, 2010) were analysed using a thematic approach (Braun &
Clarke, 2006). A ‘bubble’ (Sloterdijk, 1999 cited in Klauser, 2010) is argued to
organically form around couples on MDMA, producing a distinct affective
atmosphere of muted fear, worry and shame and heightened feelings of safety and
love, which mediates emotional and discursive ‘practices’ of intimacy (Gabb & Fink,
2015). Movement, spaces and objects are also argued to facilitate intimacy,
producing new subjectivities which alter boundaries: between self and world; within
the self; and between self and other (Brown & Stenner, 2009). Yet beneath the
seeming ‘flow’ to MDMA experiences, couples construct clear, symbolic boundaries,
segmenting these experiences from both everyday life (Douglas, 2001), and other
people (Stenner, 2013). The research is argued to have key implications for drug
theory and practice, namely that drug use is not only an individual act (Duff, 2008)
but also relational in nature – its meaning partly determined by how it interweaves
with important relationships in people’s lives. |
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