Deviant Communities

Networking in the Drug Subculture

The manufacture, sale, and possession of certain drugs became illegal in the early 20th century. Previously, these substances were legal and could be obtained either over the counter or as additives in various foods and wines. The effect of the legislation was that deviant communities moved certain drugs underground, including heroin, marijuana, and cocaine. If drug users want to obtain a supply of their drug of choice, they have to know whom to contact and under what circumstances to make a buy. Much like people who wanted to consume alcohol during the Prohibition Era, drug users must participate in a drug subculture to obtain their preferred illegal substance. The subculture is little more than a networking system created around information about obtaining drugs.

Networking is important not only to obtain supply but to also learn from other users how best to experience the drug. Initial use—which takes place among friends, not dealers or pushers—usually involves peers who can show the initiate how to use the drug, how to recognize the physical effects of the drug, and how to calm any initial fears the initiate might have about drug use. There is a technique for smoking marijuana that beginners have to be taught, because if not used, the effects of the drug will be minimized. Even if using the correct technique to maximize the effects, the initiate must be taught what the effects are. The initiate must also be taught that once the effects are recognized, they must be interpreted as pleasurable.

Becoming a drug user, in other words, says more about who one's friends are rather than any particular drug effect, as one has to learn from others the reasons to use the drug. This learning takes place in the context of more experienced drug users.

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