Alcohol Is Not the Gateway to Hard Drug Abuse

Golub, Andrew Lang, Johnson, Bruce D., Journal of Drug Issues

Much prior research has found that alcohol and/or tobacco use in early adolescence typically precedes marijuana use which typically precedes any hard drug use and abuse. This finding has been often misinterpreted as suggesting that use of alcohol somehow "causes" subsequent hard drug abuse. This perspective has lead to the simplistic policy position that preventing alcohol use among youths will eventually solve the broader problem of substance abuse. This paper reviews the ample evidence which refutes this claim and encourages those involved with policy development not to oversimplify the challenges and problems facing youths.

Introduction

Does use of alcohol by youths …

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Publication information: Article title: Alcohol Is Not the Gateway to Hard Drug Abuse. Contributors: Golub, Andrew Lang - Author, Johnson, Bruce D. - Author. Journal title: Journal of Drug Issues. Volume: 28. Issue: 4 Publication date: Fall 1998. Page number: 971+. © Florida State University for and on behalf of The Florida State University Board of Trustees Spring 2008. Provided by ProQuest LLC. All Rights Reserved.

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