What Is a Gateway Drug?

Alcohol

Alcohol has received a great deal of attention because of its potential to be a gateway drug. Studies have shown that alcohol use at age 15 increases the risk that a person will inject drugs during adulthood, which does provide some evidence that alcohol is a gateway substance. 

In addition, a study on U.S. 12th graders found that the majority of those who misused multiple substances consumed alcohol before beginning tobacco and marijuana use. Further, those who began drinking in sixth grade were at greater risk of abusing illegal drugs when compared to those who began drinking in ninth grade. 

Nicotine

Nicotine has also been identified as a gateway drug, and there is some evidence to support this. In fact, numerous studies have shown that teens begin smoking prior to using illegal drugs. Further, research has shown that the majority of cocaine users were already cigarette smokers when they began using cocaine. There is also a higher risk of cocaine addiction among people who begin smoking cigarettes before starting cocaine use. This is compared to those who begin smoking after initiating the use of cocaine. 

Marijuana

Marijuana is perhaps the substance most commonly labeled as being a gateway drug, and there is often controversy surrounding this label. Gateway drug statistics show that marijuana users are 2.79 times more likely to use illegal drugs. Further, a recent research report found that marijuana users are 2.76 times more likely to begin using opioids. They are also 2.52 times more likely to develop symptoms of opioid abuse or addiction. 

Prescription Pills

Alcohol, tobacco and marijuana are typically referred to as the three gateway drugs, but prescription pills have also been labeled in this way. One study found that 80% of heroin users first abused prescription opioids before progressing to heroin use. This provides some evidence that certain prescription pills can be a gateway to harder drug use. 

Dangers of Using Gateway Drugs 

People may think that substances like alcohol, tobacco and marijuana are harmless, but there is evidence that these are gateway drugs for some people. Abusing these substances comes with risks that include addiction, overdose and other health concerns.

Addiction

Even though they are not considered “hard drugs,” substances like alcohol, tobacco and marijuana can lead to the development of addiction. Some people may experiment with these substances and never become addicted, but for those who do, addiction can create serious consequences and make it difficult to function in daily life. 

Risk Factors for Developing an Addiction

Gateway drugs can increase the risk of abusing harder drugs or developing an addiction. However, many people who use alcohol, tobacco and marijuana do not develop addiction or progress to harder drug use. People who do become addicted are likely to have certain risk factors, such as: 

• A family history of addiction

• Positive parental attitudes toward substance use

• Lack of parental supervision

• Mental health issues

• Association with delinquent peers. 

Overdose

People who misuse prescription opioids are at risk of overdose. This is because taking a large enough quantity of these drugs can slow or stop breathing and lead to coma, brain damage or death. People may think that prescription drugs are safe since they have legitimate medical uses, but they can still cause an overdose. 

Risky Behavior

Misusing gateway drugs can lead to risky behavior, such as unprotected sex, dating violence and illegal activities. Using large quantities of substances also increases the risk of becoming injured. Additionally, using gateway drugs at a young age increases the risk of behaviors like fighting, carrying a weapon at school or getting in a car with an impaired driver. 

Health Risks

Misusing substances also comes with health risks. For example, it is well known that smoking has a negative effect on health. Studies with teens have shown that cigarette smoking is associated with respiratory infections, poor lung development and increased risk of lung cancer. Research has also found that teens who drink or smoke are in worse health and are more likely to require an overnight hospital stay when compared to teens who do not use these substances. 

Treatment for Substance Use or Addiction 

If you have found that you are unable to stop using drugs despite significant consequences in your life, you may have a substance use disorder — the clinical term for addiction. When gateway drug use leads to addiction or the use of harder drugs, seeking treatment can help you develop the tools necessary for living a drug-free life. 

There are multiple options available when seeking treatment for addiction. Many successful programs use a combination of therapy and medications. Treatment can occur on an outpatient basis, meaning you continue to live at home while attending appointments at a treatment facility or even online. You can also enroll in an inpatient program, which provides intensive treatment and requires you to live on-site at a rehab center. 

Therapy for Addiction

If you’re looking for addiction treatment options, Nobu offers a free-to-download mental wellness app that features mindfulness training, lessons from mental health experts and a goal tracker so you can monitor your progress. Nobu also offers a paid option, which allows you to schedule online sessions with licensed counselors who can provide therapy services to help you overcome addiction. Download the Nobu app for free on the Apple Store or Google Play Store to get started.