Many people in the United States struggle with drug addiction, but most do not start off by using hard drugs. Instead, most people use common or gateway drugs first. Gateway drugs get their name from the fact that they open the “gateway” to harder, more dangerous substances. Here are some of the gateway drugs San Antonio residents need to know. If you or someone you love is struggling with addiction, reach out for help from a San Antonio addiction treatment center today.
Top Gateway Drugs San Antonio Residents Should Avoid
If people want to prevent the possibility of using hard substances, they need to avoid contact with gateway drugs. While some of these substances seem harmless, they can all lead to addiction later.
Nicotine
Some people think of nicotine as a drug that’s no worse than caffeine. However, studies suggest that it’s a potent gateway drug. Experts say that there’s a correlation between smoking and addiction because of how nicotine makes the body feel.
E-cigarettes aren’t any better because they still deliver nicotine to the body. Because of that, these products can even hook people on drugs. Unfortunately, people can smoke many substances other than cigarettes. Those who seek stronger effects could start using harder drugs such as heroin and meth.
Marijuana
As with most drugs, people who smoke marijuana don’t plan to move on to harder drugs. After all, marijuana has grown in popularity around the country and is even legal in individual states. Since cannabis isn’t addictive and people can’t overdose on it, it’s hard to see it as a gateway drug.
However, experts say that weed gives people the wrong impression of drugs. Some people use it and start to think that using drugs isn’t that bad. With this bold new outlook, they could be more open to more addictive drugs down the line.
Alcohol
Alcohol is one of the most addictive drugs on the market. One of the most significant problems is that people can buy it in nearly any store. Because of its popularity and how companies market it, alcohol doesn’t seem like a gateway drug.
Many people start off with just drinking in social settings. However, because alcohol abuse can cause changes in the brain and create dependence, they can develop an addiction. It doesn’t take long from that point for them to branch out to harder drugs. Some people begin to use harder drugs plainly because alcohol impairs their judgment.
For those who are struggling with addiction, a treatment program can help them find the road to recovery.
Don’t Let Gateway Drugs Lead You Down the Wrong Path
At San Antonio Recovery Center, we work hard to reverse the effects that gateway drugs San Antonio cause. We have a wide range of addiction rehab programs to help achieve this goal, including:
- Dual diagnosis treatment – Many individuals who struggle with addiction also face challenges with their mental health, but targeted therapy can help treat both issues at the same time.
- 12 step program – This time-tested treatment option utilizes group sessions with an experienced therapist.
- Intensive outpatient programs – Clients find flexibility and freedom through outpatient treatment at our addiction treatment center.
- Residential rehab – Many of our clients benefit from the increased levels of accountability and support in a residential rehab program.
- Individual and group therapy – We utilize both at San Antonio Recovery Center in order to help clients learn healthy coping skills and work through the underlying causes of addiction.
Don’t try to handle your addiction alone. Let us help you kick drugs to the curb. Reach out to San Antonio Recovery Center today at 866.957.7885 for more information about how we can help you.
