Gateway drug effect
Gateway Drug Effect
The Gateway Drug Effect (pronunciation: /ˈɡeɪtˌweɪ drʌɡ ɪˈfɛkt/) is a theory suggesting that the use of less deleterious drugs can lead to a future risk of using more dangerous hard drugs and/or crime.
Etymology
The term "gateway" refers to the idea that initial use of drugs such as marijuana, tobacco, or alcohol may lead to a higher probability of usage of other drugs later in life. The word "effect" is used to denote the impact or consequence of this initial drug use.
Definition
The Gateway Drug Effect is a theory that has been widely studied in the field of addiction. It suggests that the use of softer drugs, such as marijuana, tobacco, or alcohol, can lead to the use of harder, more harmful drugs like cocaine, heroin, or methamphetamines. This theory is based on observed patterns of drug use, and the idea that the experiences with softer drugs can alter an individual's mindset towards using harder drugs.
Related Terms
- Addiction: A psychological and physical inability to stop consuming a chemical, drug, activity, or substance, even though it is causing psychological and physical harm.
- Substance Abuse: The harmful or hazardous use of psychoactive substances, including alcohol and illicit drugs.
- Drug Rehabilitation: The process of medical or psychotherapeutic treatment for dependency on psychoactive substances such as alcohol, prescription drugs, and street drugs such as cannabis, cocaine, heroin or amphetamines.
Criticism
The Gateway Drug Effect theory has been criticized for its simplicity and the difficulty in proving causation. Critics argue that correlation does not imply causation, and that other factors such as environment, genetics, and social interaction play a significant role in an individual's likelihood to use hard drugs.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Gateway drug effect
- Wikipedia's article - Gateway drug effect
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