The ‘hazardous gateway drug can lead to another use of substances, warning the addiction experts

A large majority of American adults say they have alcohol consumed At some point, however, experts warn that alcoholic beverages could be a “entrance drug” to more harmful substances.

According to the National Drug and Health Survey (NSDUH), more than 84% of adults in the US.

That same survey found that among minor Americans (from 12 to 17 years old), more than 21% had consumed alcohol.

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What is a ‘entrance door drug?’

Dr. Kenneth Spielvogel, a senior medical officer of Carrara treatment in California, defined an “entrance drug” as a substance that exposes someone to other drugs.

According to the National Drug and Health Survey, more than 84% of adults in the US. (Istock)

Marijuana is often linked as a “classic entry drug,” he told Fox News Digital, since he can lead to cocaine, heroin and other “harder drugs” that have a greater threat to the loss of lives through deteriorated driving and other volatile behaviors.

“Alcohol maintains firm control in a large part of the adult population.”

“Any substance that harms the trial is potentially an entry drug, in my opinion, however, alcohol is the king of this,” Spielvogel said. “It maintains firm control in a large part of the adult population.”

“Personally, I have seen the ravages of this: the victims of the hangover turn to methamphetamine, cocaine and other drugs for ‘pick me up’ they feel they need.”

Why can alcohol be a ‘entrance door’

For many young people, alcohol is the first substance they try, according to Chris Tuell, a clinical psychotherapist and a specialist in chemical and behavioral addictions in the Lindner center in Mason, Ohio. This makes them more likely to experiment with other drugs later.

“Most people can Use alcohol And it does not become problematic, but for some, it is destroying their lives, “he said in an interview with Fox News Digital.

Marijuana is often linked as a “classic entry drug”, but an expert said “alcohol is the king” when it comes to an affected trial. (Istock)

Alcohol consumption harms trial and decision making, which can lead to more risky behaviors, including the proof of other substances, Tuell said.

“Studies indicate that alcohol alters brain chemistry so that susceptibility increases to drug addiction“The expert warned.

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Jeremy Klemanski, addiction specialist and CEO of Gateway Foundation in Chicago, echoes his belief that alcohol is a gateway drug.

“We often listen to reports from patients who only use or started while they drank, or who were first exposed to alcohol and then tested other drugs for greater Physical symptom And feelings, “he told Fox News Digital.

The investigation of the National Institute of Drug Abuse suggests that early exposure to alcohol can “prepare the brain” for elevated responses to other drugs. (Istock)

“It is also important to keep in mind that once a person has used a substance that alters the mind, his general thinking skills are affected at some level,” he continued. “Other things that are normally not easier to justify or accept as an idea to act.”

There is also a neurological element that comes into play, according to Dr. David Campbell, clinical director and programs director Together Bend in Oregon.

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“Alcohol affects the neurotransmitter systems that are involved in the rewarding pathways that are attacked similarly by other drugs,” Digital Fox told Fox.

The investigation of the National Institute of Drug Abuse suggests that early exposure to alcohol can “prepare the brain” for elevated responses to other drugs, perhaps increasing the risks of the “entrance effect,” added Campbell.

Other factors at stake

Experts emphasized that correlation is not equal to causality.

“The fact that people who use harder drugs often drink alcohol First do not necessarily mean alcohol caused their drug use,” Tuell said.

“There are few drugs in which the sudden detention of its use can be deadly: alcohol is one of them,” warned an addiction specialist. (Istock)

Campbell agreed, noting that many “contextual factors and psychosocial stressors” should be considered within the broader context of someone’s life.

“Social environment, stressful factors, ease and proximity to access, social influences, Mental health conditionsChildren’s trauma, genetics and other biological factors can play a role, “he told Fox News Digital.

When and how to stop

Spielvogel shared some warning signs that someone can depend on alcohol and more susceptible to try other harmful substances.

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“A sign is that if you have ever tried to reduce their alcohol and failed consumption,” he said. “In addition, they can be upset when asked about their alcohol consumption.”

People with alcohol dependence can also feel guilty when they drink, or can consume alcoholic beverages In the morning, he added.

“It is very important that if someone has a use disorder, seek professional help for their detoxification and recovery.”

Stop the “cold turkey” may not be the healthiest route, Spielvogel warned.

“There are few drugs in which the sudden arrest of its use can be deadly: alcohol is one of them,” he said.

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“I cannot emphasize this enough; it is very important that if someone has a disorder for use, seeks professional help for their detoxification and recovery, whether a private treatment center or going to a Medical Professional“

“Don’t do this on your own.”