Gateway Drugs and Tobacco

Gateway Drugs

• Introductory substances can be easily explored, purchased, and are generally accepted
• These can be habit-forming, leading non-drug users to try more severe substances
• Cigarettes and alcoholic beverages are considered gateway drugs

Tobacco

• Tall, leafy plant originally from South and Central America
• Nicotiana tabacum is the preferred species for making cigarettes
• 600-900 CE is the earliest record of tobacco use in carved drawings found in Mexico
• People smoke for various reasons including religious rituals, medical purposes, and recreation
• The Global Youth Tobacco Survey (GYTS) Philippines Country Report 2015 indicates that more than 70% of smoking students aged 13-15 buy cigarettes from stores, and approximately 70% have seen tobacco use in media
• About 71.6% see anti-tobacco messages in media, and 53.2% see them at events
• With 63.1% of students believe that second-hand smoke is harmful
• Nearly 6 million annual deaths worldwide are attributable to tobacco use
• This figure is expected to rise to 8 million by 2030, making tobacco a leading preventable cause of death

Chemicals in Tobacco

• Each time one smokes or chews tobacco, more than 4,000 chemicals are introduced to the body; 43 known to be carcinogens
• Carcinogens are cancer-causing substances
• Consists of nicotine, tar, carbon dioxide, and carbon monoxide
• Nicotine is an addictive substance with toxic effects and may affect the body when used long-term
• Carbon monoxide (CO), a man-made, is a dangerous toxic gas that can cause instantaneous health issues
• Carbon monoxide restricts the body from receiving oxygen
• Carbon dioxide (CO2), a colorless, odorless gas, contributes to global warming
• Lighting a cigarette releases carbon dioxide into the environment

Types of Smoke

• Mainstream smoke is directly inhaled and exhaled by the smoker
• Sidestream smoke or environmental tobacco smoke, is more dangerous than mainstream because it cannot be exhaled
• Residual tobacco smoke can settle on surfaces and contain carcinogens and harmful chemicals

Electronic Cigarettes

• Electronic cigarettes heat a liquid usually dissolved in Propylene Glycol or Glycerin to create an aerosol for the user to inhale
• It may or may not contain nicotine
• These can be used by smokers to quit tobacco/cigarettes or by teenagers and young adults out of curiosity

Alcohol

• A clear liquid with a strong smell and bitter taste
• Deriving different alcoholic beverages from plants involves fermentation
• Beer is extracted from fermented grains, while wines are from grapes and other fruits

Types of Alcohol

• Isopropyl alcohol is used in laboratories as solvent and rubbing alcohol
• Methyl alcohol, also known as methanol and wood alcohol, used as paint remover and in photocopiers, is fatal and poisonous for human consumption
• Ethyl alcohol, also known as ethanol, beverage alcohol, and grain alcohol, safe for human consumption in regulated amounts and excessive intake may result in intoxication
• Ethyl alcohol can be a solvent and fuel additive

Reasons for Alcohol Consumption

• It could be an attempt to elevate mood, a coping mechanism for sadness, or due to dependence
• Alcohol can lower inhibitions
• Alcohol crosses the blood-brain barrier and affects brain function, mood, memory, thinking, and behavior
• Most of the alcohol consumed is processed in the liver and will be excreted in breath, saliva, urine, and sweat