Key Points

  • Some gateway drugs are prescribed and purchased legally.
  • Binge drinking can lead to the use of dangerous drugs once a tolerance forms.
  • Using gateway drugs, even when prescribed, can lead to harder drug use.
  • Gateway drugs are not addictive but do carry the potential for misuse, abuse, and dependency.
  • Quitting a gateway drug can lead to uncomfortable and, sometimes, life-threatening withdrawal symptoms.
  • People experiencing gateway drug withdrawal may use illicit substances to avoid withdrawal symptoms.
  • Some people may combine addictive substances with gateway drugs once they build a tolerance to their effects.
  • Researchers disagree over whether marijuana (cannabis) is a gateway drug.

The term “gateway drug” refers to any substance that may lead individuals to experiment with more harmful or potent drugs. Common examples include recreational substances such as alcohol and cannabis, as well as prescription medications prescribed to millions of Americans for chronic illnesses or mental health conditions. While these prescribed medications can be beneficial when used as directed, they pose a risk of dependency when misused. Understanding these risks is important when making informed decisions about substance use.

In this guide, you will discover what causes people to transition from using gateway drugs to more addictive substances, learn why some gateway drugs are more addictive than others, and receive guidance on treatment for those struggling with dependency on gateway drugs.

Is the Use of Gateway Drugs Legal?

Legal gateway drugs can be categorized into those that are available over-the-counter, such as nicotine and alcohol, and prescription drugs, like Klonopin or Adderall. However, it is important to note that obtaining the latter without a prescription is illegal.

Substances that are banned for use in the United States but dispensed in other countries — such as ecstasy (MDMA) and psilocybin — are considered gateway drugs.[1] These substances are classified as Schedule I under the Controlled Substances Act, indicating that they are not only addictive but also potentially harmful.[2]  The use of these drugs often leads individuals to seek out more dangerous substances in an attempt to ease withdrawal symptoms or enhance their high.

What Does “Gateway” Mean?

The term “gateway drug” refers to a mild substance that is not inherently addictive but can lead individuals to try more addictive substances.[3] According to the gateway hypothesis, these drugs have the potential for abuse and misuse, and some individuals may develop a dependence on them. Additionally, because they are easily accessible to the public, gateway drugs often serve as the first experience many people have with mind-altering substances.

Gateway Drug Examples

Gateway Drug Examples

The concept of “gateway drugs” is still considered a hypothesis, leading to ongoing debate about which substances should be classified as gateway drugs and which should not. As a result, the list of current gateway drugs is open to scrutiny and may change over time.

Currently theorized gateway drugs include:[2][4]

  • Schedule I Controlled Substances such as ecstasy, heroin, peyote, and marijuana (cannabis).
  • Schedule II Controlled Substances such as Vicodin, cocaine, Demerol, Adderall, Fentanyl, and Ritalin.
  • Schedule III Controlled Substances such as anabolic steroids, Tylenol with codeine, and ketamine.
  • Schedule IV Controlled Substances such as Xanax, Valium, Ativan, and Ambien.
  • Legal Addictive Substances: including caffeine, alcohol, and nicotine.

Note: There is an ongoing debate regarding whether cannabis should be considered a gateway drug.[5] Some researchers argue that cannabis is non-addictive despite its classification as a Schedule I Controlled Substance.[2] Others contend that marijuana use can lead to abuse and tolerance, which may result in the use of stronger drugs. Additionally, marijuana can be laced or cut with other substances, such as PCP, fentanyl, or codeine, potentially leading users to develop an addiction to these substances while abusing marijuana.[6][7]

Why Are Some Substances Considered Gateway Drugs?

One reason the substances listed above are considered gateway drugs is that they can cause users to develop a tolerance.[8] Tolerance occurs when a person’s brain and body become accustomed to a substance, requiring them to use more to achieve the same effects or relief they once experienced. This increase in usage can raise the risk of overdose or encourage individuals to turn to more potent substances to attain similar effects.

Another theory suggests that mental health conditions, such as ADHD or depression, contribute to an increased risk of gateway substance abuse.[9] Research indicates that individuals with these conditions often turn to gateway drugs as a form of self-medication.[10] Consequently, they also face a higher likelihood of cocaine use, marijuana addiction, or abusing multiple substances simultaneously.

Are Gateway Drugs Addictive?

Most gateway drugs carry a potential risk of dependency when misused. Misuse occurs when a person uses a substance in a manner that is not prescribed or recommended. This may include taking double doses, increasing the dosage, using the medication for longer than prescribed, or combining it with other substances — for instance, mixing a benzodiazepine with alcohol or smoking marijuana laced with codeine syrup.

Some gateway drugs are more likely to lead to addiction than others, even when used as prescribed. Medications such as oxycodone and hydrocodone pose a high risk of dependency and must be gradually increased and then carefully tapered over time. Understanding the risks associated with these drugs is crucial in preventing addiction.[11]

What is the Treatment for Quitting Gateway Drugs?

If you find yourself dependent on gateway drugs like alcohol, nicotine, or prescription medications, it is advisable to consult a medical professional for assistance in quitting. Some of these substances can lead to severe withdrawal symptoms when stopped abruptly, which may result in serious health complications, such as seizures or coma.[12] Your physician may recommend a gradual tapering schedule to help you safely wean off the substance and avoid these complications.

If you’re dealing with an addiction, which is often marked by relapses after attempts to quit, seeking additional support is pertinent to your recovery. Joining a drug or alcohol treatment program can help you uncover the underlying causes of your addiction and provide you with strategies to maintain sobriety. Effective treatment options include medication-assisted detox, cognitive behavioral therapy, and 12-step. Engaging in these programs can significantly reduce the risk of relapse.

Finding Help for a Gateway Drug Addiction

Addiction is a daily struggle for millions of Americans —  but it is treatable with the right approach to care.

Establish a solid foundation for your addiction recovery at Southeast Detox, GA. Our addiction treatment center provides evidence-based, comprehensive services tailored to support clients’ physical, spiritual, and mental health needs for a comfortable recovery. We offer both inpatient and outpatient programs for substance and alcohol use disorders, which include detoxification, individual behavioral therapy, group activities, peer support, holistic therapies, and more.

Call us today to learn how our services can help you overcome gateway drug addiction.