Are gateway drugs even a thing?

Gateway drugs are “milder drugs” or potentially addictive substances that can open the door to exposure to or even experimentation with harsher substances. Many people feel that nicotine and alcohol are relatively harmless, and this idea is mainly supported by the fact that you can buy these legally at the grocery store, garage or liquor shop.

The fact that these substances are not only legal but also easily accessible and socially accepted can create curiosity about drugs that aren’t legal and are much more dangerous. Let’s say, that if someone abuses alcohol, prescription medications, or weed, they won’t feel so fearful of the potential harm of other substances.

The “weed is not a drug, it’s a herb” problem.

When it comes to the concept of gateway drugs, marijuana/ weed is often the first or the last substance that comes to mind. Although its immediate effects can be rather mild, this doesn’t mean that it is harmless. A marijuana/ THC addiction can lead to the abuse of dangerous or potentially lethal drugs in some cases.

Studies indicate that a large number of people who became addicted to more hardcore drugs tried weed at least once in their lives. Several animal studies show that exposing young rodents to THC early increases their potential to develop addictions to other drugs. Early exposure to THC results in several changes in the neuropathways that can make them more susceptible to addiction.

Nicotine, tobacco and the vape debate – Gateway drugs?

Tobacco shares many significant similarities with other drugs, especially in the way in which it is used and abused. According to the American National Institute on Drug Abuse, tobacco use is one of the leading causes of death and disability worldwide. Studies have shown that people who begin using products containing nicotine at an early age have a greater chance of developing other substance abuse issues later in life, such as an addiction to alcohol and (weirdly enough) cocaine.

Seriously? Alcohol? Gateway Drugs?

Like tobacco, alcohol should be viewed as a gateway drug. How common is alcohol abuse, though? A scary statistic is that, according to SAMRC in South Africa, 6 out of 10 adolescents and young adult drinkers binge drink. Studies in South Africa also estimated youth drinking (ages 11 to 13) to be 32%. The likelihood of alcohol addiction is also greater in those who are younger. Research has also shown that people between the ages of 18 and 24 are more likely than older people to have a co-occurring alcohol use disorder and other drug use disorders.

Gateway drugs? Some Fast Facts

• People who use products that contain nicotine as teens (and even younger) are up to 100 times more likely to smoke weed. Those same people are also significantly more likely to try illegal substances like cocaine/meth/heroin than people who do not smoke/ vape.
• Weed smokers/ THC users who tried it for the first time before age 17 have up to a 6 times greater chance of developing a substance dependence problem.
• Teens who are heavy drinkers (meaning they consume at least five drinks on five occasions over 30 days) are 12 times more likely to use illegal drugs than those who do not drink.
• Nearly 90% of cocaine users had first smoked tobacco, drank alcohol, or used marijuana.

Ok. Now I’m Worried!

If you are concerned about a family member or close friend, there are behavioural, psychological, and physical signs to keep an eye out for.

If you notice that there are changes in the way someone goes about their daily routine or even changes in the way they act during normal, day-to-day tasks, it might be a sign of a bigger problem.

While behavioural changes might be harder to spot than physical ones, keep an eye out for any of the following behavioural changes:

• A change in the performance at work/university/school.
• Missing work/ university classes/ school more frequently than normal.
• Unexplained need for money or financial problems.
• Engaging in secretive or suspicious behaviours.
• Sudden change in friends, favourite hangouts, and hobbies.
• Frequently getting into trouble when no prior history existed.

Psychological changes associated with addiction occur when the chemical makeup of the brain physically changes. This can cause a person to act in ways that they have never acted before. Chances are, if you have spent a large amount of time around that person, you will start to notice these changes pretty quickly. Things to look out for include:

• A lack of motivation, especially when they were always very motivated and driven in the past.
• Periods of strange/ unusual hyperactivity.
• Agitation, sudden mood swings, including irritability or angry outbursts.
• Appearing lethargic, fearful, anxious or even paranoid for no reason.
• Unexplained change in personality or attitude.

Physical symptoms of addiction refer to the way the disease manifests itself in physical appearance and function. These symptoms are by far the easiest to spot.

• Sudden fluctuation in weight, such as rapid weight loss or gain.
• Changes in daily patterns such as sleep/ appetite.
• Red (bloodshot) eyes or pupils larger/smaller than usual.
• Deterioration of physical appearance or personal grooming habits.
• Unusual smells on their breath, body, or clothing.
• Unusual shaking, slurred speech, or impaired coordination.

I need HELP!

When it comes to navigating everything that goes along with the treatment process, can be an overwhelming experience. Before treatment even begins, you will need to go through the detox process, where you rid your body of all the harmful chemicals associated with the drugs and /or alcohol in your system. This can take up to 7 days and can be quite uncomfortable. Luckily, Eagles View Wellness Centre specialise in the detox process and can help make it as comfortable as possible with the help of proper nutrition and specialist care.

After the detox process is completed, it’s time to enter the inpatient treatment program. We believe that a dedicated, inpatient program gives you the best chance of success in the early days of recovery. While attending an outpatient centre allows you to continue to live your regular daily life, that might not be the best way to get clean and sober. Chances are certain activities in your daily life helped cause you to go down the path you are currently on.

With so many options out there, it might be difficult to choose the right option for you. It’s important to remember during all this that you are not alone. There are many people out there who want you to get the help that you need and lead a happy, sober life. From family and friends to those working at the treatment and detox centres, everyone is on your side.

At Eagles View Wellness Centre, we know that battling addiction is scary, overwhelming and isolating. That’s why it is our goal to not only help you who is suffering from addiction but also those who are closest to you like your family, friends, and other loved ones.

We offer an interesting form of reality therapy to help people recover from severe addictions. Offering holistic therapies in a peaceful setting makes the treatment process much easier. For example, our treatment options include:

• Individual counselling.
• Group sessions.
• BWRT (Brain Working Recursive Therapy) is a rapid, science-based therapy that helps rewire neural pathways, allowing you to break free from unwanted thought patterns and emotional responses.
• Occupational therapy, also known as ergotherapy, can help you improve your ability to perform daily tasks and activities, and it focuses on maximising independence and well-being.
• Family counselling sessions and therapy.
• Drama therapy utilises theatrical techniques to promote personal growth and improve mental health. It allows for self-expression, interaction, and exploration of experiences through creative activities.
• A 12-step recovery program to get you started on your journey.
• Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) focuses on identifying and changing unhelpful thoughts and behaviours to improve mood and develop practical coping strategies.
• Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT) is a type of talk therapy based on CBT, designed to help you deal with and understand difficult emotions.
• EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing) is a structured therapy that uses guided eye movements to help you process and heal from traumatic memories, reducing their emotional impact over time.

Please don’t let your addiction stop you from living your dreams. You are not alone, and you don’t have to do this alone. We are here to help you every step of the way. At Eagles View, we believe that recovery is possible and that you don’t have to give up on your dreams.