TOBACCO; A GATEWAY TO ILLICIT DRUGS?

MY name is *Ponelopele (*name changed for anonymity), I started my treatment for substance use disorder with BOSASNET. Let me tell you my story. I grew up an orphan, raised by my aunts and my grandmother. I bounced around their households.

There was no stability for me. I enjoyed living with my grandmother because there were no intense rules so I came home whenever I felt like it. Due to this freedom, I met some boys in the neighbourhood who were 3 years older than me. I considered them friends. They introduced me to smoking cigarettes and that is how my life changed for the worse. I was eager to fit in with them so I decided to try smoking cigarettes. I thought it would make me appear cool and mature, like my friends that I admired. Initially, it started as an occasional use, but it quickly escalated into a habit that I found difficult to control. I was only 12 years old and was in Standard 7.

As time passed, my desire for a more intense experience grew. I started smoking weed as I felt the kick I get from the cigarettes was not enough; I wanted more. I became very close to people who were deeply entrenched in the world of substance abuse. One fateful evening, at a party I attended, I encountered a group of older boys who were experimenting with CAT. Curiosity once again got the better of me and I joined in, unaware of the consequences that awaited me. As my addiction intensified, my relationships with family and friends deteriorated. I ran away from home, trapped in a downward spiral of despair. Fortunately, my aunt ran into me and told me about BOSASNET. I knew at that moment my days of agony were over and decided to join the treatment programme by BOSASNET.

A gateway drug refers to a substance that is believed to lead to the use of more addictive or dangerous drugs. The term “gateway” suggests that using one substance may open the door or serve as a pathway to experimenting with other substances. The concept of gateway drugs has been debated among experts, and there isn’t common agreement if it is valid. However, the idea behind it is that certain substances, typically alcohol and tobacco, are considered more socially acceptable or easily accessible. The use of these substances may expose individuals to the drug culture, alter their perception of risk, and potentially increase their likelihood of trying other, stronger drugs.

With tobacco becoming a trend among the youth, we see newly emerging and alternative uses of tobacco products. These methods are designed to be more appealing and may appear to be a safer option, less harmful than the traditional cigarettes. These are E-cigarettes &

Vaping Hubbly, and flavoured tobacco. Should parents, guardians, health workers or even the nation be worried? The answer is no. It’s important to note that not everyone who uses a “gateway drug” will progress to using harder drugs. The concept of gateway drugs simplifies the complex factors that contribute to drug abuse and addiction. Individual differences, environmental factors, genetic predisposition, and personal choices all play significant roles in determining a person’s substance use trajectory.

However, be mindful that even though cigarettes may not mean one will end up using harder substances, cigarettes can cause serious harm. Tobacco use may result in addiction, cancer, heart disease, dental disease, reduced bone density, decreased fertility and stroke, just to mention a few.

BOSASNET offers counselling services to people experiencing problems with substance use. If you think that you might have a problem mentioned above, or if you have a friend or family member who does, we encourage you to seek help. For some, it can mean the difference between life and death. You can find BOSASNET on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, Tiktok or call us on 3959119 or 72659891 for more information.