You are here:
Addiction to Drugs/addiction
Advertisement
Question
Where do I find studies that deal with whether pot is a gateway to more serious drugs? I always thought it was but now find some articles that contradict this. Thanks, Dan Cermak
Hi Dan,
There are many different peoples ideas around the great Pot debate and there seems to be two kinds of thought-Marijuana can lead to other more serious drugs and then the other that it doesn't necessary lead to further addictions.
In my experience I haven't known that many people that smoking pot is where it stops. There have been a couple that only use pot but the majority dabble with other drugs too. What those other drugs are differs immensely.
If your into partying and clubbing then many use coke and E's and speed aswell. Others go onto LSD and other hallucinogens and then there are the rest that end up doing Heroin and Crack as well as all the others. I've known people to dabble in all kinds but the main drug they always smoke is pot.
So in my experience and opinion it is that most of the time pot users go onto other drugs but as I said which drugs is down to the individual and what scenes they are in. Also once you start with pot you get opened to other drugs by users who smoke together that have tried other stuff and saying how great it is and associating with dealers who sell more than just pot which is usually the case. These are the facts.
If you want to get more information on this subject there are a few places you can start. Phoning your National Drug Information line will give you excellent advice from trained professionals so I would say definitely call them. Also the library will have numerous books on the subject and as your on line just google your questions and be patient looking through all the hits that come up and take your time into finding the accurate info you are after. Also your local Drug and Alcohol Service will have lots of info so it could be well worth getting an appointment with a worker there and having a chat about it.
I wish you the best of luck,I hope you find all the info your after and if you want to ask any more then feel free to write in again. Be good, Caroline.
Related Articles
Answers by Expert:
Caroline West
Expertise
My expertise in this area is in illicit/street drugs as well as some over the counter and prescription drugs/meds. I can answer questions about most illicit drugs and prescription drugs. I can offer advice on Opiate maintenance drugs like Methadone, Subutex and Suboxone,and the process of going through a Detox and/or Rehab. I understand the problems Drug use can cause regarding convictions and debt problems. There is a difference between recreational drug use and drug addiction and can answer questions on both. Relationship advice if you or your partner is using and can offer help there too. Drug addiction is no joke and it can shatter the lives of the family as well as the user so I can also offer help and advice to friends and family. Drug dependency creates a great deal of issues both mentally and physically and left untreated can lead to poor Mental Health, Psychological and Physical harm and worse. Life can become unmanageable in many ways including work and schooling alongside breakdowns in relationships,risk of convictions and a reduction in personal care. I can offer advice and support in all these areas having been in them and now out of them.
Experience
I have had multiple drug addictions in the past that have included Cannabis,Heroin,Crack,Benzo's,Codeine and over the counter tablets as well as prescription medicines and taken near enough everything. It caused a great deal of problems in my family and I also had suffered breakdowns,Hospitalizations,suicide attempts,convictions the lot. I had been in a 7 year drug using relationship which was tough. I've come out the other end now and haven't used illicit drugs for 5 years. I really do understand what it is like for the user and those around them.
Organizations
I am in 4 other categories here at All Experts: Abusive Relationships; Borderline Personality Disorder or BPD and Dialectical Behaviour Therapy or DBT which can simultaneously help those with BPD and with Drug/Alcohol Problems; and Teenage Problems.
I also belong to Care2.com which helps various causes all over the world.
Education/Credentials
I have schooling up to A-Level standard,College Diplomas and what I offer here is valuable 'life experience'.
Past/Present Clients
I have done this voluntary job here at All Experts for about 3 years now.
©2012 About.com, a part of The New York Times Company. All rights reserved.