Self-reported reasons for using various licit and illicit drugs were examined in a sample of 365 polydrug users recruited via snowball technique, with polydrug use defined as use of more than one drug in the 90 days previous to the survey date. Participants were asked about their use of alcohol, cannabis, amphetamine, ecstasy, cocaine and LSD. Each respondent replied to a 17-item survey containing reasons for using a substance, with functions categorized into changing mood, wanting the desired physical effects, for social purposes, facilitating an activity and managing the effects of other substances. Responses were analyzed both for each drug individually and across drugs. Alcohol and cannabis were the most commonly used substances. 177 of 365 (48.6%) respondents had used ecstasy at least once in their lives. Individuals who had used it more than once (perhaps 167, but uncertain due to typographical error) reported the most common reasons for taking ecstasy were "to help you keep going on a night out with friends," (91.1%) "to enhance an activity," (79%) "to feel elated or euphoric," (77.7%) and "to stay awake." (72%) Surprisingly, only 63.1% listed "enjoying the company of friends," whereas 68.2% listed "get intoxicated." Self-reported functions for using ecstasy were similar to the self-reported functions for using amphetamines. Significantly more females than males reported using ecstasy and other drugs for weight loss. Older participants were more likely to take ecstasy as a means to induce euphoria, while younger participants were more likely to take ecstasy to feel better or to increase confidence. Findings in this report suggest that there are multiple reasons for taking any drug, including ecstasy, and that there is significant overlap in self-reported function (reason for using) various drugs.