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1. Nature and Effects of
Gateway Drugs
Mr. Alphie Zarriz

2. Gateway drug – it is a term to describe the use of
less destructive substances which can lead to
future possibility of using a more dangerous
substance.
Gateway Drugs
1. Caffeine – it is a plant-based product including coffee beans, cacao, and tea
leaves. It is as an additive to food and beverages such as chocolates, candies,
colas, tea, and coffee.
Effects:
a. stimulates your central nervous system (brain, nerve, and spinal cord)
b. wakes you up and makes you alert
c. causes palpitations, headache, nervousness, dehydration, and difficulty
in sleeping.

3. 2. Tobacco – it is a plant-based product which contains nicotine that acts as a
stimulant. It is used in cigarettes, pipe tobacco, and even the flavored shisha. It
can also be chewed, sniffed, or inhaled.
Effects:
a. Acts as a stimulant
b. Induces bowel movement
c. Suppresses appetite
d. Induces coughing
e. Causes bronchitis, heart disease, and lung cancer
f. Stains teeth
g. Leads to formation of blood clots

4. 3. Alcohol – is a chemical that has an instant effect on the body. Ethyl alcohol is
used in alcoholic beverages. Fermenting several materials such as potatoes,
grapes, grain, honey, and sugar produces alcohol.
Effects:
a. Taking small amount of alcohol can be relaxing but excessive drinking can
lead to lose control over behavior and become very uncoordinated.
b. Long term drinking can cause disease such as cirrhosis of the live, hepatitis,
anemia, dementia, depression, gout, and cancer.