One fact that does appear to be true is the scene in the movie with Matthew McConaughey’s character, based a real life mentor to Belfort named Mark Hanna.
The book is not so much a warning of the perils of excess; it actually sets a new standard in the perils.
The chest thumping was not real though, that was all McConaughey.
The incredible yarns Jordan Belfort spins of the insane office parties, the Quaaludes, the cocaine, booze, head shaving and dirty sex are enough to make Motley Crue blush.