Cigarette Smoking Initiation among Substance Abuse Treatment Population: How applicable is the Gateway Hypothesis?
Journal Title: Journal of Addiction & Prevention - Year 2015, Vol 3, Issue 2
Abstract
Background: Cigarette smoking has been considered a gateway to subsequent, and often, co-occurring usage of other licit or illicit substances in the general population. However, significant deviations from this typical pattern of progression have been observed among substance abusers. Moreover, progression patterns may differ by demographics and substance abuse-related risk factors. Objectives: This research examines the patterns of cigarette smoking initiation among substance abusers; and explores the correlates of cigarette smoking with demographic and other substance abuse-related factors with different patterns of cigarette smoking initiation in the substance abuse treatment population. Methods: The sample was comprised of 1,179 substance abuse clients, who received publicly-funded treatment in Tennessee. Data were collected from the clients at intake and six-months post intake. Results: A significant proportion of clients reported cigarette smoking (82%). Only 34% clients reported typical progression patterns (i.e. cigarette as a gateway substance). Others reported deviations in smoking progression patterns with 48% atypical progression - cigarette smoking initiated post substance use, and 18% reporting as neversmokers. African Americans and college-educated participants were more likely to be atypical progressors or never-smokers. Marijuana users were more likely to be atypical progressors. Also, those who initiated licit or illicit drug use at an earlier age were more likely to be either atypical progressors or never-smokers. Conclusions: While the Gateway Hypothesis (GH) still holds for about a third of this population, these results suggest that it is insufficient in explaining cigarette smoking initiation among problematic substance users. In addition, the high prevalence of cigarette smoking in this population suggests the need for tobacco cessation efforts, alongside substance abuse treatment. In addition, the development of tailored preventative programs for those at greatest risk is needed to ward off gateway substances preceding problematic illicit drug abuse.
Authors and Affiliations
Satish Kedia
Keywords
Related Articles
- EP ID EP202571
- DOI 10.13188/2330-2178.1000022
- Views 99
- Downloads 0
Psychosocial Factors Associated with Substance Abuse and Anxiety on Immigrant and U.S. Born Latinos
Latinos are exposed to adverse psychosocial factors that impact their health outcomes. Given the heterogeneity and rapid growth of this population, there is an urgent need to understand the mechanisms through which psych...
The Trabecular Meshwork: A Basic Review of Form and Function
IOP is a consequence of aqueous humor inflow balanced against aqueous humor outflow and both are approximately 2.75 μl/min [10]. Inflow is relatively pressure insensitive until very high pressures are achieved [11]. IOP...
Negative Urgency and Gender Moderate the Association between Anxiety Sensitivity and Alcohol-Related Problems
Tension reduction theory states that persons high in anxiety sensitivity (AS) are particularly sensitive to alcohol’s anxiolytic effects and thus may engage in problematic drinking to reduce distress. However, the litera...
“Bouncing-Back” and Relaxation were the Most Valued Skills Acquired by 369 Students During a School-Based Resiliency Program
Background: Drug and alcohol use during adolescence continues to be concerning, and evidence suggests this can be reduced with resiliency training. Here we provide results from a qualitative inquiry into the possible eff...
In the Treatment of Alcohol Abuse there are No Clear Differences in Outcomes between Inpatient Treatment and Outpatient Programs
Alcohol use disorder has serious implications including increased risk of violence, motor vehicle collisions, and criminal activity. Treatment can be given in an inpatient/residential setting or in an outpatient/day-trea...