GATEWAY DRUGS
(Alcohol, Tobacco & Marijuana)
Gateway drugs are those drugs people are first exposed to and
experiment with. Traditional gateway drugs are alcohol, cigarettes, and
marijuana.
The significance of gateway drugs is that most people with a drug
dependency began their cycle of addiction by experimenting with a gateway
drug. While not everyone who tries alcohol, cigarettes, or marijuana
becomes addicted to drugs, most addicts began their habits with one of
these drugs.
ALCOHOL
Most of you know what alcohol looks like, how it is packaged, and how
it makes you feel. Perhaps something you didn't know is that alcohol is a
drug. Its scientific name is ethyl alcohol and it is classified as a
depressant, the same drug class as a barbiturate or tranquilizer. Alcohol
is unique because it is legal for adults to buy and drink and is widely
accepted in our culture. In fact, alcohol is the most popular drug among
youth and adults in our country.
Sadly, alcohol is also one of the most deadly drugs available to our
youth today. The leading cause of death among teens in this country is
alcohol-related traffic accidents.
Alcohol also causes heart disease, high blood pressure, liver damage,
brain damage, and also contributes to many other health problems.
Once alcohol is absorbed into the bloodstream, it acts upon the central
nervous system like a depressant, affecting speech, vision, and
coordination. The physical effects of alcohol depend on many factors,
including the amount of alcohol consumed over time, the emotional state
and body weight of the drinker, the concentration of the drink, and the
amount of food in the stomach at the time of consumption.
Smaller doses of alcohol may cause euphoria and a mild relaxed feeling.
Intoxication occurs when higher doses are taken. Responses to higher doses
of alcohol are varied: it may make some people feel more outgoing and
giddy, while others will feel depressed, aggressive, or hostile. Physical
responses to increased doses of alcohol include altered perception,
impaired judgment, loss of coordination, staggered walk, blurred vision,
bloodshot eyes, slurred speech, dizziness, nausea, and vomiting. An
overdose of alcohol can cause unconsciousness, respiratory failure, and
death.
Alcohol is an addictive drug. The medical term for this addiction is
called alcoholism. Research suggests that alcoholism may be a genetic
predisposition, and that a child of an alcoholic parent runs a much
greater risk of becoming an alcoholic. Alcoholism strikes all age groups;
about ten percent of the population will develop the disease.
TOBACCO
Tobacco is used in many forms, including cigarettes, cigars, pipe
tobacco, chewing tobacco, and snuff. Cigarettes are the most common type
of tobacco used by teens, followed by chewing tobacco and snuff. Studies
of school age children indicate that initiation of daily smoking (not
occasional use) is highest among junior high school students (about ages
12-14).
Many harmful ingredients in tobacco, such as nicotine, carbon monoxide,
and hydrogen cyanide are absorbed into the body through the lungs.
Nicotine, the addictive substance in tobacco, is so toxic that it has been
used as an insecticide.
Tobacco acts both as a stimulant and a depressant. A beginning smoker
will experience euphoria, lightheartedness, giddiness, dizziness, elevated
heartbeat and respiration rates, and a tingling sensation in the hands and
feet. A chronic smoker will suffer from a diminished sense of smell and
taste.
Not everyone who begins smoking will become addicted; however, when
users give up smoking, withdrawal symptoms such as restlessness,
nervousness, sleeplessness, sweating, reduced heart rate and blood
pressure, inability to concentrate, compulsive eating, headaches, and
irritability can occur. These physical withdrawal symptoms last for about
one to three weeks.
Medical problems associated with smoking tobacco are normally the
result of long-term use. Some of the many health hazards of tobacco are
heart disease, cancer, lung disease, obstructive pulmonary and bronchial
disease, gum and jawbone deterioration, gastrointestinal disease, eating
disorders, and allergic reactions. The use of smokeless tobacco, such as
chewing tobacco and snuff, can be as dangerous as smoking, causing mouth
lesions and cancer.
MARIJUANA
Following alcohol, marijuana is the second most popular drug with
youth. It consists of the leaves, flowers, stems, and seeds of the
cannabis plant, which are dried and chopped into small amounts. Marijuana
can also be found as Sinsemilla, the potent flowering tops of the female
marijuana plant.
Commonly referred to as grass, pot, weed, Acapulco Gold, ganja, and
smoke, marijuana is usually sold and stored in small plastic bags,
aluminum foil, or small rolled cigarettes. Marijuana is usually smoked in
hand-rolled cigarettes called "joints," and has a strong, pungent odor
when smoked. Once the marijuana cigarette is partially smoked, it is often
held by a small clip called a "roach clip." (Roach clips are made from
many items, such as tweezers or electrical clips.) The leaves can also be
smoked in small wooden pipes or water-filled pipes called "bongs." And
finally, marijuana can also be blended into food, then cooked and eaten,
most often in brownies.
Paraphernalia associated with marijuana includes pipes, bongs, rolling
papers, plastic bags, roach clips, "stash boxes" (decorative boxes
designed to conceal and store marijuana), and eye drops and breath
fresheners used to cover up signs of use of the drug.
In low doses, marijuana can induce restlessness, a dreamy state of
relaxation' red or bloodshot eyes, and increased appetite. Stronger doses
can cause shifting sensory images, rapidly fluctuating emotions, a loss of
self-identity, fantasies, and hallucinations or image distortions.
MORE ON GATEWAY DRUGS
Other drugs may be considered gateway drugs. For example, glue or other
inhalants are widely abused by young children in low income communities
because of their low cost and availability. Crack or rock cocaine is
becoming a gateway drug in some communities because of its availability
and low cost.
Children learn about the use of gateway drugs from depictions in
advertising, television, movies, music and even from parents themselves.
According to research from the University of Washington in Seattle,
parents who involve their children in the use of one of these drugs
increase the child's risk of becoming an abuser of alcohol or other drugs.
For example, parents may involve their children in their smoking by
saying, "Jimmy, please light my cigarette." Or, parents may involve their
children in their drinking by asking, "Linda, would you please get Daddy a
beer from the refrigerator?"
Parents who involve their children in their own use of drugs in this
manner are setting an example that says, "It's okay to smoke or drink
because I do it."
Do not underestimate the impact of gateway drugs. Examine your
own use of these drugs to see ff you are modeling drug use by involving
your child.
"YOUTH" - WHY DRUGS OR ALCOHOL?
Teenagers may try drugs and alcohol for the same reasons they
experiment with other behaviors to try on new identities.
- Curiosity - The desire to seek out new experiences.
- Peer Group Pressure - The security that comes from being like
others.
- Insecurity - The desire for affection, identity, and respect.
- Boredom - Lack of excitement, zest, or challenge.
- Escape - From problems, loneliness, failure.
- Defiance of Authority - Can be against parents, school, or society
in general.
- Values or standards - Lack of appropriate values for maintaining
health and well-being.
- Ignorance - Lack of actual information about the dangers of drug and
alcohol abuse.
- Physical and Emotional Problems - To overcome pain, stress, and
strain.
- Stimulation - To quickly and seemingly effortlessly, obtain
increased physical and/or mental energy.
- Modeling - Teenagers model the coping skills they see demonstrated
by adults.
PREVENTION
Prevention begins with being:
- Understanding - "I realize you're under a lot of pressure
from friends to use drugs."
- Firm - "As your parent I cannot allow you to engage in
harmful activities."
- Supportive - "I'll help you find a way to say "no" to drugs."
- Self-examining - "Are my own alcohol and drug consumption
habits exerting a bad influence on my child?"
Prevention does not begin with:
- Sarcasm - "Don't think I don't know what you're doing."
- Accusations - "You're lying!"
- Stigmatizing - "You're a terrible person."
- Sympathy-seeking - "Don't you see how much you're hurting
me?"
- Self-blaming - "It's all my fault."
TEENAGE PARTIES
The strongest pressure on our youth is the need for group acceptance.
Many parents and their teenagers talk about guidelines in this area yet
continue to feel helpless.
By working together, the pressure to serve and allow the use of illegal
beverages and drugs will be significantly reduced. Don't fall prey to the
teen tactic, "But all the other parents let their kids do it."
As a parent you must take a stand, no drugs or alcohol will be allowed.
PARENTS, WHEN YOUR TEENAGER IS GIVING A PARTY
Plan in advance. Check party plans with your teenager and know who the
guests will be. If you agree on who is to be invited, you can curb the
"open party" situation. Set definite time limits.
- Agree to rules ahead of time. Possible rules could be:
- No drugs, including alcohol
No leaving the party and then returning,
No gate crashers.
Some rooms in your home are off limits.
Know your responsibilities. The responsible adult at a teenager's party
must be visible and aware. Remember it is illegal to serve drugs,
including beer or wine coolers, to anyone under 21 years of age. You may
be liable both to the criminal charges and for monetary damages in a civil
lawsuit if you furnish drugs or alcohol to a minor.
Anyone who leaves the party should not be allowed to return. This
discourages people from leaving with the intent of drinking or using other
drugs in their cars or elsewhere and then returning to the party.
Notify your neighbors beforehand that a party is being given and will
be supervised.
Notify police when giving a large party. Discuss with them an agreeable
parking plan. Let the police know whom to contact in case of complaints.
Plan to have plenty of food and non-alcoholic drinks.
Plan some activities ahead: movies, dancing, sports, etc.
Discuss the party afterwards with your teenager and share your
observations and possible frustrations.
PARENTS, WHEN YOUR TEEN IS ATTENDING A PARTY
Know where your teenager will be. Obtain an address and phone number.
Agree that he will call you if the location is changed.
- Personally contact the parents of the party giver to:
- Offer assistance and support
Verify the occasion.
Make sure the parents will be present
Be certain that alcohol and other drugs will not be permitted.
Agree beforehand on a curfew.
Know how your teenager will get to and from the party. Arrange that
you, a specified friend, or neighbor can be called if he needs a ride
home. Discuss the possible situations which might necessitate this.
Reinforce that under no circumstances should your teenager allow someone
who has been drinking or using drugs to drive him or her anywhere.
If your teenager stays overnight with a friend after the party,
personally check with the parents.
- If your teenager attends a party where alcohol is either served by
the parents or allowed, it is important to:
- Phone and discuss your feelings with the parents
Discuss the legal ramifications with them.
Share notes with other parents.
Express thanks and support to parents and students who give parties
within these guidelines.
Through cooperation, parents in other local communities have made
drug-free and alcohol-free parties for their teenagers a priority and a
success. We too can make it work in our community.
PARENTS, WHEN YOU ARE OUT OF TOWN
Homes where parents are absent are frequent party sites. When you must
be out of town, inform your teenager of his responsibilities and the
consequences of his actions. Have a responsible adult live in your home
during your absence. Explain to him or her your family policy and rules
for parties. Inform your neighbors of your absence. Request they contact
you or a responsible adult or even the police, if a party occurs. Let the
parents of your teen's friends know of your absence. Cooperation is both
essential and productive. If a party is held, find out who attended and
contact their parents as soon as possible.
PARENTING SKILL TIPS
FIFTEEN WAYS TO HELP CHILDREN LIKE THEMSELVES
- Reward children. Give praise, recognition, a special privilege or
increased responsibility for a job well done. Emphasize the good things
they do, not the bad.
- Take their ideas, emotions and feelings seriously. Don't belittle
them by saying, "You'll grow out of it" or "It's not as bad as you
think."
- Define limits and rules clearly, and enforce them. But do allow
leeway for your children within these limits.
- Be a good role model. Let your children know that you feel good
about yourself. Also let them see that you too can make mistakes and can
learn from them.
- Teach your children how to deal with time and money. Help them spend
time wisely and budget their money carefully.
- Have reasonable expectations for your children. Help them to set
reachable goals so they can achieve success.
- Help your children develop tolerance toward those with different
values, backgrounds and norms. Point out other people's strengths.
- Give your children responsibility. They will feel useful, and
valued.
- Be available. Give support when children need it.
- Show them that what they do is important to you. Talk with them
about their activities and interests. Go to their games, parents' day at
school, drama presentations, awards ceremonies.
- Express your values, but go beyond "do this" or "I want you to do
that." Describe the experiences that determined your values, the
decisions you made to accept certain beliefs, the reasons behind your
feelings.
- Spend time together. Share favorite activities.
- Discuss problems without placing blame or commenting on a child's
character. If children know that there is a problem but don't feel
attacked, they are more likely to help look for a solution.
- Use phrases that build self-esteem, such as "Thank you for helping"
or "That was an excellent idea!" Avoid phrases that hurt selfesteem:
"Why are you so stupid?"; "How many times have I told you?"
- Show how much you care about them. Hug them. Tell them they are
terrific and that you love them.
IS THERE HOPE?
Whether you think your child is on drugs or experimenting, there is
evidence that some of today's teenagers are understanding the problems of
drug abuse as a result of education. For example, the number of high
school seniors who believe there are great "risks" in regular marijuana
use has increased significantly in the past five years. This makes it a
little easier for them to say "no" to drugs because there is a decrease in
peer pressure.
Despite the fact that regular marijuana use is decreasing, we still
face an uphill battle with the increasing abuse of other drugs. And the
best people to wage that battle are PARENTS.
WHAT CAN A PARENT DO?
The first thing a parent can do in the fight to have a drug-free child
is learn about the kind of drugs kids abuse. This will put you in a good
position to have frank, open discussions with your children to impress
upon them that they are being sold a bill of goods by the drug culture.
That they are being led to believe that drugs are "cool" when in fact they
represent a tremendous health hazard. Armed with the proper information,
you can give your kids the help they need to say "no" to drugs.
It's important for you to encourage your children to get involved in
activities that can give them a "natural" high. Sports, recreational,
religious and volunteer activities can be real substitutes for drugs. It's
important for both you and your children to discuss rules of behavior and
to set clear and distinct limits they can understand.
It's also crucial that you participate. Form groups with other
concerned parents. Join your P.T.A. Invite drug counselors to meetings.
Talk with school superintendents, principals, coaches, church people,
physicians and local politicians to make sure that everyone is not only
aware of the drug problems but that they are responsive to them.
If we can stop drug abuse at the experimental stages, we'll be getting
at the problem before it gets a grip on our kids.
RESOURCE REFERRAL INFORMATION
Referral Information in your community can be obtained from your local
law enforcement agency.
