Gateway drugs are a hot topic of discussion when it comes to teen drug use. Parents and teens often want to know what they are, what they do, and why they’re such a big deal. So, what exactly is a gateway drug?
In this blog post, we’ll break down everything you need to know about gateway drugs. We’ll answer some common questions and explore some of the most common types, and how they lead to addiction. By the end of this post, you’ll have a better understanding of what gateway drugs are and why you should avoid them.
What Is a Gateway Drug?
The term “gateway drug” is often used to describe a substance that leads to the use of harder drugs. These drugs can also be used as a stepping stone to getting hooked on illicit substances. These substances are often used by people who want to experiment with drugs but don’t want to risk becoming addicted to illicit drugs right away.
These drugs are usually legal and easily accessible, which makes them especially dangerous for teens and young adults. For instance, getting alcohol or marijuana can be easy for teenagers who may not have access to harder drugs. These substances can then lead to the use of other illicit drugs like cocaine, methamphetamines, and heroin.
The use of gateway drugs among young people is very alarming. The National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) reports that, by the time kids are in 12th grade:
- Almost half of them have tried marijuana
- More than half of them have tried cigarettes, and
- More than three-quarters of them have tried alcohol.
What Are Some Common Gateway Drugs?
While there are many gateway drugs out there, some of the most common ones include alcohol, marijuana, inhalants, tobacco products, over-the-counter drugs, and prescription medications.
Alcohol is the most commonly abused substance among teenagers, and it can lead to more serious drug use later on. While it may be socially acceptable to drink alcohol once a person reaches legal age, alcohol abuse becomes a risk for using harder substances.
Inhalants are substances that are readily available in households so teens have access to them. Inhalants, which include aerosols and certain chemicals, produce a short-lived high when inhaled. Unfortunately, they can be very addictive and even lead to chronic brain damage.
Tobacco is also a dangerous drug that’s easily accessible to teens. While its use has decreased in recent years, the use of vaping and e-cigarettes has increased drastically. This can lead to nicotine addiction, as well as vaping more potent substances like dab weed.
Over-the-counter and prescription drugs can also be considered. These substances are easy to obtain, either through a family member’s medication cabinet or by forging prescriptions. They can cause physical dependence, which could lead to using harder, illicit drugs in order to get the same effects.
The United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention published a report that said people who use marijuana may be more likely to become dependent on other drugs, especially if they started using marijuana when they were young or if they use it often.
How Do Gateway Drugs Lead to Addiction?
Substance abuse often starts with the use of gateway drugs. Once someone starts using these drugs, they may be more likely to move on to harder drugs like cocaine or heroin. This is because these drugs can change the brain in ways that make someone more likely to become addicted to harder drugs.
People who use these drugs may be more likely to develop substance abuse issues because they are also more likely to experiment with other substances. Once their tolerance for “milder” drugs increases, they may seek out harder drugs to get the same high.
For example, many cocaine users report that they first started using marijuana and then moved on to cocaine. Similarly, many heroin users report that they began by abusing prescription painkillers before turning to heroin.
In addition, people who use drugs may be more prone to developing mental health issues like depression or anxiety. These conditions can make someone more likely to abuse substances as a way to self-medicate.
Is Marijuana a Gateway Drug?
Yes, marijuana can be considered a gateway drug. While there are many debates about it, there are some studies that prove this gateway drugs theory
A report published by the National Institute on Drug Abuse highlighted some research that suggests that marijuana use is likely to precede the use of other licit and illicit substances
Another study states that people who start to smoke marijuana before age 17 have up to 6 times greater chance of developing dependence on marijuana, alcohol or other drugs.
Get Help for Substance Abuse from Gateway Drugs
The use of substances like alcohol, tobacco products, or weed may seem harmless at first. You may think that you can control your substance use, but these drugs can be incredibly addictive and lead to more serious drug use. They can also affect not only your physical health but your
If you or a loved one is struggling with addiction , there are treatment programs available. Treatment for substance abuse can involve medication-assisted treatment, counseling, and support groups.
