Legal and illegal drugs: alcohol as a gateway substance to using other drugs

Abstract

The term “drug” has very varied use. In medicine drug is a material which can potentially prevent or cure disease or change mental and/or physical state. Pharmacologist call drug a substance which alters any biochemical or physiological processes of tissues or organs. In the context of international drug control, “drug” means any of the substances in Schedule I and II of the 1961 Convention, whether natural or synthetic. Usage of the term “illicit drug” should be avoided, as it is the manufacture, distribution, and use, etc. of a drug which is illicit, but not the substance itself. However, a lot of people around the world, both layman and proffesionals, do not perceive alcohol as a psychoactive substance with potential to cause dependance. The Gateway Drug Theory suggests that licit drugs, such as alcohol, may serve as a ‘gateway’ towards the use of other illicit drugs. Thus society should be very vigilant when it comes to usage of illicit drugs at young age. Even though in many countries it is illegal for minors to obtain and use alcoholic drinks, it still happens due to decriminalization of such actions. However, this may lead to higher health problems in the country and, possibly, higher level of use of illegal drugs.