What is meant by gateway substances? What is one example of a ...

[CharlieWard]

What is meant by gateway substances? What is one example of a gateway substance? What is wrong with assuming that use of a gateway substance causes increased use of other substances?
 
  What will be an ideal response?

Question 2

Discuss how personality variables relate to substance use.
 
  What will be an ideal response?

[babybsemail]

Answer to Question 1

A substance (e.g., cigarettes) that is used before illicit substances AND use of which is associated with increased likelihood of later use of illicit substances. Assuming a person is generally more likely to engage in deviant or problem behavior, the apparent gateway substance might just be the easiest thing for a young person to start with, so it is most likely to be the first. Bonus: discussion of whether preventing or delaying cigarette smoking would reduce later use of marijuana or other substances.

Answer to Question 2

Most large surveys find little or no relationship to most personality measures, such as self-esteem. The most consistent correlations have been found for impulsivity. Bonus: distinguishing between studies of rates of use in the general population vs. comparisons with dependent users, with both impulsivity and personality disorders more strongly associated with dependence/abuse.

[CharlieWard]

Thank you

[babybsemail]

No problem