Gateway Drugs

Gateway drugs are substances that people take which, in many cases, lead to those people taking more drugs. Kind of like, if you get one tattoo, you're more likely to get another, and another. Or if you like Elvis Presley, you might start liking other Rock'n Roll music too.

It's like, by doing one thing, you've broken a barrier, so it's somehow easier to do the next thing down the line. Only with drugs, you don't progress into something better, you progress into something more dangerous and harmful.

What are the gateway drugs?

Alcohol and pot are the most obvious gateway drugs. Studies show that if you smoke pot, you're more likely to try things like crystal meth or cocaine or heroin. Same with alcohol. If you're drunk, you're more likely to do other drugs.

Many people see alcohol and pot as less dangerous and harmful than other drugs, but the truth is, they're just as dangerous as any other drug-in more ways than one. See, not only are alcohol and marijuana dangerous in their own right (they're addictive, they cause physical and psychological problems, a huge part of car wrecks involve them), they also screw up your judgement, making you more likely to use other drugs. So if you're thinking they're not as serious, get over it. They are.

How do gateway drugs work?

Gateway drugs work in two major ways.

One: Gateway drugs break down a psychological barrier against doing other drugs. Once you've crossed the line with a gateway drug, you're more likely to go there with other drugs, too.

Two: Gateway drugs impair your judgement. If you're drunk or high, it's easier to say yes to cocaine or whatever else is around. These drugs break down your inhibitions, so you're more susceptible to peer pressure or experimenting. And they don't just impair your judgement when you're on them--these drugs can change the way you feel about drugs in general, putting you on a really ugly path that'll get you in trouble and make you unhappy-for the rest of your life. Not to mention give you zits.

Are gateway drugs "less major" than other drugs?

Many people mistakenly think that gateway drugs are less serious than other drugs. These people are, well, wrong. These drugs are even more dangerous in a strange, roundabout way--because using them puts you at greater risk for using other drugs.

What's more, gateway drugs are just as dangerous as any other drug when it comes to things like driving a car. Having your abilities impaired by gateway drugs, or any other drug, will get you in a car wreck or slapped with a D.U.I faster than you can ask for another beer.

Plus, gateway drugs can get you into just as much trouble as other drugs. In many states, possession of marijuana is serious enough to get you chucked in jail. And underage drinking, especially underage drinking and driving, is a serious offense no matter where you are. Getting busted can ruin your life, not to mention embarrass the hell out of you.

Are gateway drugs addictive?

Yes. In fact every drug, in its own way, can be considered addictive. Pot is perhaps more psychologically addictive and habit-forming than it is physically addictive, but either way, it's hard to break free from using it. Alcohol is absolutely addictive.

Most people think addiction is bad because it can ruin your life, keeping you from accomplishing what you want to accomplish, making you difficult to be around, screwing up your priorities, and hurting the people you love. Gateway drugs can easily do all of these things.

Does everyone who uses a gateway drug go on to using other drugs?

No. Not everyone who uses alcohol or pot goes on to other drugs. In fact, most people who try a gateway drug don't get hooked, let alone move on to other drugs. But many people do, and it's not pretty. Because gateway drugs break down barriers and impair judgement, you're much more likely to find yourself in trouble if you use them.

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