The Gateway theory suggest that consumption of “soft” or licit drugs leads to the consumption of hard/illicit drugs later. Researchers had been studying on this Hypothesis since the 1980’s. Some results support it, some do not, and many include additional factors.
In the early studies the hypothesis was confirmed that consumption of licit drugs (tobacco, alcohol and in some countries marijuana) may act as a stepping stone for illicit drugs such as; heroin, cocaine, crystal methamphetamine, hallucinogens (ecstasy, LSD, PCP) etc.,.
Upon further studies it was found that; social factors also influence the Gateway theory such as
- Peer influence
- Parental neglect or lack of supervision
- Parental drug abuse
- Community influence
- Disrupted/disintegrated family structure etc.
Soft Drug consumption among young adults is associated with increased risk for later Drug Abuse. Availability of certain soft drugs like electronic nicotine delivery systems (vaping/ e-cigarettes) to teenagers significantly raises the risk. Not just effecting the mental health but also causing long-term molecular, biochemical, and functional changes in the brain, which may encourage subsequent drug abuse.
What do think about the gateway theory? Is it just legal drugs progress to illegal drugs or social and financial factors are also responsible? And how much impact does the religion and cultural values have in the progression, control and prevention of Drug abuse?