People use the phrase ‘gateway drug’ to describe harmful substances that teens and adolescents consume. The theory suggests a gateway drug will encourage people to consume harder drugs—leading to addiction and potential death.
Research suggests that 10% of American adults have battled drug addiction during their lives. In addition, 75% have never received any treatment. In many cases, the addiction started with milder drugs – including alcohol and cannabis.
However, people can prevent addiction and obtain addiction treatment if they understand the possible dangers of gateway drugs.
Let’s take a deeper look at gateway drugs in this article:
What Is The Gateway Drug Theory?
The gateway drug theory suggests certain drugs, once introduced to teens and adolescents, begin the addiction process. The idea suggests these drugs are a key that opens the door to addiction. Many critics have challenged the notion of the gateway drug theory; they claim various other factors—such as trauma and genetics—create drug addiction.
However, millions of people use gateway drugs in society. Even if they don’t create more severe addiction, gateway drugs often create physical and emotional battles related to substance abuse.
The Most Used Gateway Drugs
The most common gateway drugs are alcohol and nicotine. People use these gateway drugs because they’re socially acceptable, legal to use, and have less stigma. As a result, these drugs are easy to access and people have little to no fear about trying them.
Others consider cannabis the primary gateway drug—especially since swathes of the Western world, including the U.S. and Canada, have moved towards legalization.
Let’s take a deeper look at these gateway drugs:
Alcohol
Alcohol is socially acceptable in Western culture. Although the legal drinking age in the United States remains at 21, the authorities don’t always enforce it. Teens who struggle to manage their alcohol consumption levels are at a greater risk of future problems.
Cannabis
The cannabis industry is rising fast worldwide, so obtaining cannabis is straightforward. For millions of people, marijuana helps them deal with depression, anxiety, and other mental health issues. However, many worry that cannabis is the ultimate gateway drug to other substances.
Prescription Drugs
In the United States, teens and adolescents often abuse prescription drugs, such as opioids. Heroin and fentanyl—two addictive and dangerous drugs—are often the next step. People sometimes combine these drugs to maximize their high, leading to overdose and death.
Ecstasy
Ecstasy is one of the most popular party drugs in the world. Typically, people use ecstasy in rave culture. Due to peer pressure and societal ranking, ecstasy can become a gateway drug for many young people and lead to cocaine abuse (another popular party drug).
Inhalants
Teens and adolescents often begin with weaker substances, such as shoe polish, paint, and glue, to get high. The biggest problem with inhalants is preventing young people from using them because of their easy access.
Do Gateway Drugs Cause Addiction?
Although many people believe the gateway drug theory is genuine, others argue it removes the real cause of substance abuse. They claim that people turn to drugs to relieve stress, mental illness, and childhood traumas. The rehab community agrees that these factors contribute to drug addiction.
However, there are many other causes, such as:
- History of abuse
- Genetics
- Social life difficulties
- Environmental factors
- Socioeconomic factors
- Trauma
- Depression
- Childhood difficulties
A world-class rehab center can help you discover the root cause of your addiction. As a result, you can end addiction and enjoy a better life.
How To Avoid Gateway Drugs
One of the best ways to prevent drug addiction is to prevent teens and adolescents from using gateway drugs. However, that can be challenging—especially with the accessibility of gateway drugs. Here are some steps:
- Know your teen’s activities – Although your teens may not appreciate it, you should know their activities and what they do. That way, you can monitor any strange behavior.
- Establish rules – Let your children know the consequences of gateway drugs, including alcohol and nicotine.
- Know your teen’s friends – The children’s friends impact how they behave and whether they use gateway drugs. Monitor them very carefully.
- Give support – If your children use gateway drugs and begin struggling, provide robust emotional support.
- Set a solid example – Your children are more likely to use gateway drugs if you do. Set an excellent example by not using them.
- Provide a steady, stable home life – If a teen or adolescent has a happy life at home, they’re more likely to obey your requests and avoid gateway drugs.
Final Thoughts
Although experts still debate the gateway theory, there’s no doubt that all drugs can destroy lives, even if they don’t lead to heavier substances. If you notice your children or yourself struggling with drug addiction—rehab could be the best answer.
At Still Detox, we offer world-class treatment for those struggling with all behavioral health issues, including drug addiction. We help you head towards a brighter future. Contact us for more information.
