Dangerous ‘gateway drug’ can lead to other substance use, addiction experts warn


Dangerous ‘gateway drug’ can lead to other substance use, addiction experts warn

By Melissa Rudy Fox News Published March 2, 2025 4:30am EST A vast majority of American adults say they have consumed alcohol at some point — yet experts warn that alcoholic beverages could be a "gateway drug" to more harmful substances. More than 84% of adults in the U.S. report having drunk alcohol in their lifetime, according to the 2023 National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH). That same survey found that among underage Americans (12 to 17 years of age), more than 21% had consumed alcohol.