Gateway Drug Theory

Gateway Drug Theory suggests that the use of less harmful substances like tobacco or alcohol may lead to the use of more dangerous drugs later. The idea is that trying these initial substances can increase the likelihood of experimenting with or developing a preference for stronger, illicit drugs, due to factors like increased access, social influence, or changes in brain chemistry. However, this theory is debated, and while some evidence supports a progression pattern, not everyone who uses gateway drugs will go on to heavier drug use.