Are Gateway Drugs a Fact or Myth?

The term “gateway drug” is a common catchphrase or expression used to describe a habit-forming drug. These habit-forming drugs may not be addictive, but it's believed they can lead to the use of other addictive substances. Some people are dead set against the idea of gateway drugs, while others feel strongly that they can lead to the development of substance use disorder (SUD). What do you think? Have you heard of gateway drugs? What do you really know about them? Do you think they're a fact or myth? 

We'll focus on trying to answer some of these questions today. However, it's necessary to note that substance use – even of non-addictive substances – should always be done prudently. There's no way of predicting how someone will react or what it could lead to. Of course, if you or a loved one is actively struggling with SUD, we at West Coast Recovery Centers encourage you to seek help immediately. 

Where Does the Term Gateway Drugs Come From?

Anyone who has been to a high school assembly has more likely than not heard of gateway drugs. These assemblies always focus on the dangers of early drug use and the importance of staying away from substances. Sometimes, these presenters tell their personal story surrounding substance use, and how their struggle began with experimentation or recreational drug use. 

Of course, everyone's story is different. However, recreational substance use does often begin with less severe substances, but is it just a matter of time before that escalates? What's at the root of wanting to experiment with substances, especially at a younger age? Why do people turn to frivolous substance use instead of processing the traumas more effectively? Asking these questions is necessary, regardless of whether or not the idea of gateway drugs is a myth. 

According to an NPR article published in 2015 titled “Setting The Record Straight On The Phrase ‘Gateway Drug’,” the term was coined by epidemiologist Denise Kandel over 40 years ago. It mostly referred to marijuana use, but her work indicated that nicotine use was most likely to lead to the use of more intense drugs. Nevertheless, the term has gone on to encompass more substances and even characterizes a hypothesis on the topic. 

Studies on the Gateway Drug Hypotheses

According to Neuropsychopharmacology, the getaway drug hypothesis refers to “the pattern of substance use during adolescence whereby legal substances, such as nicotine and alcohol, precede the progressive use of illicit substances like cocaine and heroin.” Research indicates that gateway drug use during early adolescence was “significantly associated with marijuana use, illegal drugs and cocaine in older adolescence.” However, the data also showed these relationships were inconsistent in adulthood. 

Despite the data, many throw the term around haphazardly in the hopes of preventing their young ones from experimenting with substances. Unfortunately, this doesn't address the overarching problem. We have a mental health crisis, especially among our nation's youth. Addressing that may be more constructive than throwing around terms without fully understanding their origins. 

What Are Gateway Drugs?

One of the most common gateway drugs people discuss is marijuana. Many believe it to be harmless, but that's not always the case. Some other common substances people describe as gateway drugs are tobacco and alcohol. These are substances that people use day-to-day without really thinking about the chances of becoming dependent. Many don't believe in gateway drugs, but the reality is that using marijuana, alcohol, and tobacco tends to inform further substance use. 

Using Gateway Drugs When You're at a Higher Risk for SUD

Whether or not gateway drugs are a fact or myth becomes irrelevant when you consider a person's prevalence for SUD. Having a family history of addiction, early childhood trauma, or dysfunctional family dynamics can all put a person at a higher risk for developing SUD. So, when these individuals use substances that are considered gateway drugs, it increases their risk of developing an addiction later on. 

In these situations, it may not matter if you believe in gateway drugs. Being at a greater risk for addiction is in and of itself enough to lead to more serious substance use later on in life. 

Gateway Drugs, Peer Pressure, and Social Susceptibility

Another thing to consider is the influence of peer pressure and social susceptibility on individuals using gateway drugs. Those we hang around, especially in our youth, significantly influence our choices. 

It's not unlikely for adolescent exposure to gateway drugs to occur among friends or peers. Many give in to look cool or avoid scrutiny. However, teenagers and adolescents rarely recognize their potential increased risk for SUD. That's why we must spread awareness, not just about potential gateway drugs, but about substance use in general, mental illness, and factors that can increase one's risk for SUD.  

Tackling the Real Problem With Any Substance Use

So, are gateway drugs a fact or myth? It depends on the situation. Some can use marijuana, tobacco, and alcohol frivolously and not develop SUD. However, that's not the case for everyone. At the core of any addiction is deeply held trauma. The greater issue must be addressed at the core, whether or not a gateway drug is involved. 

Whether you began recreationally using substances as an adolescent, teenager, or adult, we can help. It doesn't matter where you've been or how long you've struggled. All that matters is that you're here. Take the first step toward sobriety and contact West Coast Recovery Centers to begin treatment today. 

The expression “gateway drugs” has been around for a while, but people often throw it around without recognizing where it came from. Epidemiologist Denise Kandel coined the term decades ago to describe a pattern of substance use that occurs during adolescence – usually including marijuana, alcohol, and tobacco --  and leads to illicit substance use like cocaine or heroin. People go back and forth about whether or not gateway drugs are a thing. However, the key is if a person is more likely to develop substance use disorder (SUD) based on genetics, trauma, and social factors. Nevertheless, all substance use should be taken seriously. Call West Coast Recovery Centers at (760) 492-6509 to learn more and seek treatment today.