Common liability to drug addictions

Abstract

The etiology of drug addiction is an intensively studied field. Researchers seek to understand the mechanisms for the development of this debilitating and socially destructive disorder in order to formulate effective prevention and treatment intervention. The complexity of the disorder hinders achievement of this elusive goal. A theory that could organize and reduce this complexity to guide research and practice could help these, often dissociated, areas to coalesce. Such a role has been assigned to the “gateway theory,” also known as “gateway hypothesis” (GH; Kandel, 2003), without competing theories. The GH posits a developmental process underlying involvement with the variety of drugs, both licit and illicit (Kandel, 1975). Importantly, as recently as in 2002 (RAND News Release, December 2), it was noted that most policy makers’ beliefs are grounded in the GH, in spite of findings contradicting the GH's prime assertion that marijuana's use after initiation of using tobacco and alcohol, followed by other illicit drugs, comprise consecutive progressive stages of drug use initiation. Equally important to note is that the GH does not extend beyond initiation, to drug use disorders.