GATEWAYDRUGS

NAME: Marsha Ronn Althea A. Canamo

Grade 8 St. Augustine of Hippo

Health 08: Discuss What are the gateway drugs and give an example for each

Gateway drugs are substances that, when consumed, give way to harder, more dangerous
drugs. These milder substances, such as nicotine or alcohol, are believed to open the door to
drugs such as meth, heroin and cocaine, which can lead to addiction.Marijuana, alcohol,
nicotine and other gateway drugs boost dopamine levels, which increases pleasure. The
dopamine boost caused by gateway drugs during adolescence makes the brain release less
dopamine during adulthood. This leads people to seek harder drugs that cause more
dramatic dopamine releases, according to the gateway drug theory.

Different Types of Gateway Drugs:

1.Cigarette - A cigarette is a narrow cylinder containing a combustible material, typically tobacco, that is rolled into thin
paper for smoking.

Nicotine is an addictive organic compound found in tobacco plants. It’s the chemical that makes smoking
cigarettes, chewing tobacco, and vaping so hard to quit.

2. Alcohol- is a color less, bitter-tasting substance that humans have consuming since the ancient times.

Beer is one of the oldest and most widely consumed type of alcoholic drink in the world, and the third most popular
drink overall after potable water and tea.

3.Marijuana- also spelled marihuana, crude drug composed of the leaves and flowers of plants in the
genus Cannabis.

4.Prescription pills or drugs- are often strong medications, which is why they require a prescription from a doctor or
dentist.

Opioids used to relieve pain such as Vicodin, OxyContin, or codeine.

Depressants used to relieve anxiety or help a persons sleep, such as Valium or Xanax.
Stimulants used for treating attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) such as Adderall and Ritalin.