By: Ricky M
Editor: Hope G
The Gateway Drug Hypothesis
According to Stages and Pathways of Drug Involvement: Examining the Gateway Hypothesis, the Gateway Drug Theory is the idea that use of one particular substance will lead individuals to subsequently be at a greater risk to abuse other substances. Im sure you all have heard your parents and teachers explain this to you, but have you heard all of the data and research behind this theory?
The Gateway Drug Theory was originally thought of during the 70’s and 80’s when the war on drugs was at it’s height, but has made it’s way back into society and politics due to the legalization of marijuana and the increasing number of overdose deaths from other illicit substances. Something that you might want to keep in mind is that supporters of this theory are point out two distinct conditions that could result in proving the gateway theory.
The first: A gateway drug alters neuropathways in the brain.
This condition associates the age that an individual starts using a gateway drug (i.e. marijuana, alcohol, nicotine, etc.) with the likelihood that they will develop addictive behaviors to other substances later on in life. Zoe E. Reed, a researcher as the University of Bristol, used bidirectional Mendelian randomization (MR) to test this condition of the gateway hypothesis in her article Using Mendelian randomization to explore the gateway hypothesis: possible causal effects of smoking initiation and alcohol consumption on substance use outcomes. She found that smoking initiation may lead to increased alcohol consumption, cannabis use/dependence, and vice versa.
The second: An interaction of genes and environment is involved
This condition is reliant on the fact that there is a significant genetic component to drug abuse. It links some innate characteristics to the alteration of neuropathways in humans and accounts for the gateway theory.
Now that you’re familiar with the Gateway Drug Theory, you might keep in mind that everyone is different and have unpredictable reactions to certain substances. it is important that you stay away from gateway substances such as alcohol, marijuana and nicotinefor this very reason.
Ways You Can Avoid Substance Abuse
One way you can help yourself abstain from these substances is by setting S.M.A.R.T goals. This means setting goals that are specific, measurable, attainable, reasonable, and timely. Having S.M.A.R.T goals will help you stay on track without having goals that are too broad or expansive.
Another way you can help yourself abstain from gateway drugs is by squeezing in at least 30 minutes of exercise per day. According to a study at Mayo Clinic, exercise helps reduce stress, improves mild-to-moderate depression and anxiety, improves sleep and boosts mood. This subsequently will keep you busy and build up a good habit instead of a bad one.
College can be tough, especially if you are trying to hold onto toxic relationships. Dont. Take responsibility for your well-being and end toxic friendships or romances. Typically these relationships are triggers for people to relapse or to begin abusing substances. By cutting these triggers out, you will see a significant reduction in stress and anxiety.
Finally, utilize support systems. These can be anything from your parents or your friends, to your teachers or a therapist. Verbalize your feelings, even when it’s uncomfortable. This can help you actualize and take responsibility for the next steps necessary.
References: Mayo Clinic | CDC | Zoe E. Reed