The majority of American adults say they consumed alcohol at one point, but experts warn that alcoholic beverages could be “gateway drugs” for more harmful substances.
According to the 2023 National Survey of Drug Use and Health (NSDUH), more than 84% of US adults reported drinking alcohol in their lifetimes.
That same study found that among minor Americans (ages 12-17), more than 21% consume alcohol.
Throw away the alcohol and go “California's Sober” – this is what you need to know
What is “Gateway Drug”?
Dr. Kenneth Spielbogel, senior medical officer at Carrara treatment in California, defined “gateway drugs” as substances that expose them to other drugs.
A 2023 national survey of drug use and health found that over 84% of US adults reported having alcohol intoxicated during their lifetimes. (istock)
Marijuana often remains as a “classic gateway drug,” he told Fox News Digital because it could lead to cocaine, heroin and other “harder drugs.”
“Alcohol has a solid grasp of the majority of the adult population.”
“In my opinion, the substance that undermines judgment can potentially be gateway drugs, but alcohol is this king,” Spielbogel said. “We maintain a solid grip for most of the adult population.”
“I've personally seen the devastation of this. Hangover victims resort to females, cocaine and other drugs for the 'pick me up' they think they need. ”
Why Alcohol can become a “gateway”
For many young people, alcohol is the first substance they try, according to Chris Twel, a clinical psychotherapist and chemical and behavioral addiction expert at the Lindner Center in Mason, Ohio. This increases the likelihood that you will experiment with other drugs later.
“Most people can use alcohol, and that's not a problem, but for some, it's destroying their lives,” he said in an interview with Fox News Digital.
Marijuana is often nailed to it as a “classic gateway drug,” but one expert said “alcohol is the king” when it comes to making judgments. (istock)
Alcohol consumption can impair judgment and decision-making and lead to more risky behaviors, such as testing other substances, Tuell noted.
“Studies show that alcohol can alter brain chemistry in ways that increase sensitivity to drug addiction,” the expert warned.
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Jeremy Klemanski, addiction specialist and CEO of the Gateway Foundation in Chicago, reflects his belief that alcohol is a gateway drug.
“We often hear reports from patients who have only started using or using it while drinking, or have been exposed to alcohol first and then tried other medications for greater physical symptoms or feelings,” he told Fox News Digital.
A study from the National Institute of Drug Abuse suggests that early exposure to alcohol can “primize the brain” due to increased responses to other drugs. (istock)
“It is also important to note that when a person uses one mind-changing substance, their general thinking skills are compromised at some level,” he continued. “Other things they might not normally do will be easier to justify or accept as ideas to act.”
There is also a neurological component, according to Dr. David Campbell, clinical director and program director at Recover Together Bend in Oregon.
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“Alcohol affects neurotransmitter systems that are involved in reward pathways that other drugs are similarly targeted,” he told Fox News Digital.
A study from the National Institute of Drug Abuse suggests that early exposure to alcohol can increase responses to other drugs and possibly increase the risk of a “gateway effect,” Campbell added.
Other factors during play
Experts emphasized that correlations are not equal to causality.
“Just because people who use harder drugs often drink alcohol first doesn't necessarily mean that alcohol has caused drug use,” Tuell noted.
“There are few drugs where a sudden cessation of use can be fatal. Alcohol is one of these,” addict expert warned. (istock)
Campbell agreed, noting that many “contextual factors and psychosocial stressors” should be considered within the broader context of someone's life.
“The social environment, stress, ease, access, social impact, mental health, childhood trauma, genetics and other biological factors can all play a role,” he told Fox News Digital.
When and how to stop
Spielvogel shared some warning signs that someone is dependent on alcohol and can easily get tested with other harmful substances.
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“One indication is that they have tried to cut back on drinking and have failed,” he said. “Also, when asked about alcohol consumption, they may get frustrated.”
People who are addicted to alcohol may also feel guilty when drinking it, and may consume alcoholic beverages in the morning, he added.
“If someone has a use disorder, it's very important to seek professional help for their detox and recovery.”
Stopping “cold turkey” may not be the healthiest route, Spielbogel warned.
“There are few drugs where a sudden cessation of their use can be fatal. Alcohol is one of these,” he said.
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“I can't stress this enough. If someone has a use disorder, it's very important to seek professional help for their detox and recovery, whether it's a private treatment facility or going to a medical professional.”
“Don't do this yourself.”
