In the context of drug use, which of the following statements is true of gateway substances?
A) The order of use of gateway substances determines the rate of deterioration of dopamine neurons in the mesolimbic pathway in the brain.
B) Most people who use gateway substances go on to become cocaine users.
C) Their use is the cause of later illicit drug use among young people and school students.
D) Their use is an early indicator of the basic pattern of deviant behavior resulting from a variety of psychosocial risk factors.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Gateway substances are considered an early indicator of a broader pattern of deviant behavior, which is often associated with various psychosocial risk factors such as family issues, peer pressure, and mental health problems. This perspective does not imply causation (that gateway substances cause later illicit drug use) but rather suggests a correlation with underlying issues that may lead to drug use.

In the Context of Drug Use, Which of the Following