What is a gateway drug? The definition of a gateway drug never changes. However, the substances that experts consider to be gateway drugs are up for debate. Most importantly, though, people need to understand the definition. Understanding the term “gateway drug” can help them make up their own minds about which substances fall in that category. A gateway drug could be marijuana, leading to the need for a North Carolina marijuana addiction treatment center for women.
At The Willows at Red Oak Recovery®, we’re committed to helping women overcome substance abuse, whether they’re looking for treatment for a gateway drug like marijuana or another substance. To learn how our women’s substance abuse treatment can support your recovery, please contact our team today at 828.518.6941.
What Is a Gateway Drug? Gateway Drug Definition
What is a gateway drug? Firstly, let’s start with the basic gateway drug meaning. When people refer to gateway drugs, they aren’t always referring to drugs that are addictive. In fact, abusing non-addictive drugs can lead people down the path to drugs that are addictive. However, there’s more to gateway drugs than this simple definition.
Taking a Deeper Look at Gateway Drugs
What does a gateway drug mean? While there’s a definition for gateway drugs in the dictionary, there’s more to these substances. Experts who advocate the theory of gateway drugs say that young people who use mild substances open the “gateway” to more addictive substances.
Of course, the gateway drug theory is just that: a theory. Despite that, a lot of research backs up the idea of progressive drug use. By definition, progressive drug use supports the theory.
However, keep in mind that gateway drugs don’t just affect young adults. Anyone can succumb to them. People only associate the term with young adults because they experiment more during that stage in their lives. Make no mistake that gateway drugs can affect people of all ages.
What Are Some Gateway Drugs?
Determining what gateway drugs are can be difficult. The reason is that all experts have their own ideas of which substances fall into this category. However, the most common gateway drugs may include:
- Prescription painkillers
- Opioids
- Alcohol
- Marijuana
In most cases, using prescription drugs doesn’t lead directly to addiction. However, abusing them can lead to habit-forming actions. Experts believe that these drugs put the brain on a collision course for addiction.
Of course, if these drugs are gateway drugs, why doesn’t everyone make the progression to harder drugs? After all, some people have alcoholic drinks now and again without turning to harder drugs such as heroin.
Experts say that factors other than gateway drugs contribute. Knowing what gateway drugs are is just the start. People also have to take genetics, upbringing, and social situations into account. These factors play a role in determining whether people move on from gateway drugs to harder drugs.
Women and Gateway Drugs
For many women, alcohol is a gateway drug. In fact, studies show that women who start drinking before the age of 21 are more likely to develop a substance abuse disorder later in life.
This may be due to biological factors such as lower body weight and higher levels of estrogen, which can make women more vulnerable to the effects of alcohol. Additionally, societal pressures and gender roles can play a role in women turning to alcohol as a coping mechanism for stress or emotional distress.
How The Willows at Red Oak Recovery® Helps You Recover
Do you want to know more about the definition of a gateway drug? If so, consider reaching out to The Willows at Red Oak Recovery®, a women-only treatment center. We’re proud to be a North Carolina marijuana addiction treatment center for women. A few of the programs that our clients enjoy include:
- Individual and group therapy
- Partial hospitalization programs and outpatient rehab
- Acupuncture and meditation
- Motivational interviewing program
Don’t let a lack of knowledge lead you down a dark hole. Learn more about the definition of a gateway drug and how it can lead to the use of harder drugs.
Call The Willows at Red Oak Recovery® Today
The Willows at Red Oak Recovery® can help you overcome your addiction to marijuana and other substances. Please contact us today at 828.518.6941 to learn more about our treatment options. Everyone deserves happiness. Our women’s substance abuse treatment is here to help.
