Alcohol

While not specifically listed as a proper gateway drug, many people who have come across the concept have agreed that alcohol-based beverages can be considered gateway drugs in that alcohol abuse or alcoholism is a form of substance addiction that could potentially lead to the use of harder drugs. The consumption of alcohol, much like smoking tobacco, is considered a social activity and in moderation, is considered very cool. For some people, getting drunk is a way to loosen up and have fun; for others, staying sober despite massive doses of alcohol is a game to be won, a challenge that must be overcome. In media, drinking is generally portrayed as something young people do together although there are times when alcohol consumption is used to “drown one's sorrows” – to forget a rather painful experience, even just for a while.

In short, alcohol poses the threat of being an “escapist” substance, a substance that allows a person to escape cares and problems, letting go of inhibitions, and being devoid of culpability (anything they do wrong is blamed on the drink). While it is true that drinking in moderation is considered healthy (alcohol is proven to promote good cholesterol and to lower the risk for cardiac events), abuse of alcohol leads to legal problems (connected to driving under the influence), health problems (mostly in the liver and brain), and loss of coordination which leads to accidents. Alcohol poisoning is also a leading cause of death.