The term "gateway drug" refers to a substance, typically a legal one such as tobacco or alcohol, that is believed to lead to the use of more dangerous and addictive substances such as illicit drugs. The idea behind the concept of gateway drugs is that individuals who use these substances may be more likely to experiment with other substances as they seek to achieve a stronger high or experience new effects. The use of gateway drugs is often considered a risk factor for developing addiction to other substances, and prevention efforts may focus on reducing or eliminating exposure to these substances in order to reduce the risk of addiction.
