What Is A Gateway Drug? 

Ever wondered why some substances seem to lead people down the slippery slope of addiction? Addiction starts out as seemingly harmless substance use. This occasional recreational habit can quickly turn into a deadly dependence on a much more dangerous drug. Many people believe that this could never happen to them, but it’s usually common for an LGBTQ+ person smoking marijuana to eventually try cocaine or if using painkillers to turn to heroin. Are gateway drugs the cause of this substance use spiraling out of control? Keep reading to find out.

What To Know About Gateway Drugs

While the term “gateway drug” may be familiar to some people within the LGBTQ+ community, there remains some confusion about what it exactly means. Essentially, a gateway drug refers to a substance that often results in the use of more harmful and addictive drugs in the future. These are milder drugs that can open the door to exposure to or experimentation with harsher substances. The fact that these substances are not only legal but also easily accessible and socially accepted in most regions can also create curiosity or cravings for drugs that aren’t legal and are much more dangerous. In addition, when a person abuses these substances, they stop feeling as fearful of the potential harm of other substances. The individual also easily dismisses warnings to not risk their safety or well-being. 

While gateway drugs may not pose an immediate threat to an individual's health compared to other substances, their inherent danger lies in the potential to increase the risk of substance misuse or dependence. This means that LGBTQ+ people who experiment with gateway drugs may find themselves more susceptible to the allure of other substances, leading to a spiral of harmful behaviors and potentially devastating consequences.

Common Examples Of Gateway Drugs

When we talk about gateway drugs, a few substances often come up. Marijuana, alcohol, and tobacco are common examples. They are usually easy for LGBTQ+ individuals to get hold of, and using them can sometimes lead to trying other, more dangerous drugs. 

• Alcohol
  Alcohol is, of course, legal and widely accepted socially in most regions, but that doesn’t mean it isn’t harmful. This is often one of the first substances LGBTQ+ people are exposed to. The potential for an alcohol use disorder aside, frequent alcohol consumption can lead to lower inhibitions and increase the likelihood of experimenting with other potentially harmful and illegal drugs.

• Tobacco
  Tobacco is also legal and easily accessible in some places. The habit of smoking can make the transition to smoking cannabis and other substances seem less significant to the LGBTQ+ person. Additionally, they may turn to electronic cigarettes, or e-cigarettes, as their preferred method of tobacco intake.

  This is alarming because nicotine, which is one of the constituents of tobacco, stimulates the brain’s reward centers, and exposure to nicotine can induce lasting alterations in the brain’s structure and function. These changes can greatly increase the likelihood of developing substance use disorders later in life.

• Marijuana
  When people think of gateway drugs, one drug that comes to mind is marijuana. While many people use it recreationally or for medicinal purposes, its use can sometimes lead to experimenting with other, more potent substances. The initial appeal of marijuana might be its perceived safety and legality in some areas, but regular use can lower inhibitions and increase curiosity about other drugs. For LGBTQ+ individuals, who might already be dealing with stressors like discrimination and social rejection, marijuana can become a coping mechanism. Over time, the desire to achieve a stronger or different high can push someone to try more dangerous drugs. This progression from marijuana to other substances can set off a cycle of addiction that’s hard to break.

• Prescription Drugs
  Prescription medications can often act as gateway drugs, especially for the LGBTQ+ community. Medications like painkillers, anti-anxiety drugs, and stimulants are sometimes prescribed for legitimate medical reasons. However, their effects can lead to misuse. These drugs can be particularly appealing because they are legal and prescribed by a doctor, creating a false sense of security. An individual might start taking them as prescribed but then begin to misuse them for their euphoric effects or to cope with stress and emotional pain. This misuse can quickly escalate, leading to dependency. Once the prescription runs out or becomes harder to obtain, some people might turn to illegal drugs. However, not everyone who uses these substances will progress to using more harmful drugs. The majority of people don’t. 

Why Are Gateway Drugs Considered So Dangerous For An LGBTQ+ Person?

Gateway drugs are considered dangerous for several reasons. Firstly, they are often seen as less harmful. This makes some LGBTQ+ people more willing to experiment with them. And, sometimes, if they’ve enjoyed how the substance made them feel, it can lead to experimenting with more dangerous substances, putting them at risk of developing substance dependence.

The use of gateway drugs can also normalize the behavior of consuming substances, making the jump to harder drugs less dramatic for an LGBTQ+ person. This can establish patterns of drug-seeking behavior, also increasing the likelihood of drug addiction.

In some cases, the environments in which gateway drugs are typically used can overlap with the availability of more harmful, illicit drugs. Social circles, peer pressure, and the presence of people who distribute drugs in these environments can make access much easier, encouraging the use of more potent and dangerous drugs, too.

Early use of gateway drugs can also have psychological and emotional impacts, particularly if used as a coping mechanism for stress, anxiety, or depression. This can create a reliance on substances for escapism, making the transition to harder drugs more likely.

Find Your Path To Recovery

At Pride Detox, our holistic treatment is focused on the unique needs of the individual. Our knowledgeable and professional team members offer incredible support and guidance to everyone who attends one of our programs and also help oversee the practical details involved with attending treatment to make their path to recovery as smooth as possible. With a trauma-based approach in a safe, family-like environment, we offer medical detox and tailored treatment plans to help LGBTQ+ people learn more about and resolve the underlying cause of substance use. If you or your LGBTQ+ loved one is struggling with any of the gateway drugs, taking action now to help nip the substance use in the bud is the best thing you can do for their health. Reach out to our team by calling 1-562-525-5121 or by using our online contact form today.