Dangerous ‘Gateway cure’ can lead to other use of a substance, warning addiction experts
The vast majority of adult Americans say they have alcohol consumed At some point – however, experts warn that alcoholic beverages could be a “drug in the gate” more harmful substances.
More than 84% of the US adults have reported drunken alcohol during their lifetime, according to national research on drug use and health in 2023 (NSDUH).
This same study found that more than 21% of alcohol was consumed among juvenile Americans (12 to 17 years).
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What is a ‘ticket drug?’
Dr. Kenneth Spielvogel, a senior medical clerk on the treatment of Carrara in California, defined a “ticket medicine” as a substance that exposes someone to other drugs.
More than 84% of the US adults have reported drunken alcohol during their lifetime, according to a national research on drug use and health in 2023. (East)
Marijuana is often tied up as a “classic ticket drug,” he told Fox News Digital, as this can lead to cocaine, heroin and other “severe drugs” that represent a greater threat to loss of life through weakened driving and other unstable behaviors.
“Alcohol maintains a solid grip on a large part of the adult population.”
“In my opinion, any substance that disrupts the judgment is potentially a drug drug – however, alcohol is the king of this,” Spielvogel said. “Surpassing a firm grip on a large part of the adult population.”
“I personally saw the cracks of this – the victims of the hangovers turn to the target, cocaine and other drugs for” pick me up “they think they need.”
Why can alcohol be ‘door’
For many young people, alcohol is the first substance they try, according to Chris Tuell, a clinical psychotherapist and a specialist in dependence on chemical and behavior in Lindner in Mason, Ohio. Therefore, they are more likely to experiment with other medicines later.
“Most people can Use alcohol And it doesn’t become problematic – but for some it destroys their lives, “he told Fox News Digital in an interview.
Marijuana is often tied up as a “classic cure for Gateway”, but one expert said that “alcohol is the king” when it comes to disrupting judgment. (East)
Consuming alcohol impairs judgment and decision -making, which can lead to more risky behaviors, including trying out other substances, Tuell noted.
“Studies show that alcohol changes brain chemistry in ways that increase sensitivity drug addiction“The expert warned.
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Jeremy Kleman, a specialist in the Gateway Addiction and CEO of the Gateway Foundation in Chicago, echoes his belief that alcohol is a drug in the gate.
“We often hear the reports of patients using or started using while drinking, or that they were first exposed to alcohol and then tried other medicines for larger Physical symptoms And feelings, “he told Fox News Digital.
A study of the National Drug Abuse Institute suggests that early exposure to alcohol can “challenge the brain” for increased reactions to other drugs. (East)
“It is also important to note that once a person used a one -changing substance, their general thinking at some level of weakened,” he continued. “Other things that usually cannot be easier to justify or accept as an idea to act on.”
There is also a neurological element that appears, according to Dr. David Campbell, clinical director and program directors in Recovery together in Oregon.
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“Alcohol affects neurotransmitter systems involved in the paths of prizes that have similarly targeted other medicines,” he told Fox News Digital.
A study of the National Drug Abuse Institute suggests that early exposure to alcohol can “devise the brain” due to increased answers to other drugs, perhaps increasing the risk of “ticket effect,” Campbell added.
Other factors in the game
Experts emphasized that the correlation is not equal to the causal cause.
“Just because people who use harder drugs often drink alcohol first does not necessarily mean that alcohol has caused their drug use,” Tuell noted.
“There is a little drug where the sudden stopping of their use can be deadly – alcohol is one of them,” warned addiction expert. (East)
Campbell agreed, noting that many “contextual factors and psychosocial stressors” should be considered in the wider context of one’s life.
“Social environment, stressors, lightness and proximity to approach, social influences, mental healthTrauma in childhood, genetics and other biological factors may play a role, “Fox News Digital told Fox News.
When and how to stop
Spielvogel shared some warning signs that someone can be addicted to alcohol and more sensitive to try other harmful substances.
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“One sign is if they ever tried to reduce the drink and failed,” he said. “Also, they can be renewed when they asked him about consuming alcohol.”
People with alcohol addiction may also feel guilty when drinking or could consume alcoholic beverages He added in the morning.
“It is very important that if one has a disorder of use, it seeks professional assistance for their detox and recovery.”
Stopping “cold turkey” may not be the healthiest path, Spielvogel warned.
“There is a little drug where the sudden stopping of their use can be deadly – alcohol is one of them,” he said.
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“I can’t emphasize it enough; it is very important that if one has a disorder of use, it seeks professional assistance for their detox and recovery, whether it is a private treatment or going to A Medical professional. “
“Don’t do it yourself.”
