????? Don't know if I am going to side with you on this one. I believe it is not the substance, but the person. I've never been a fan of the gateway theory. Yes, if you ask a heroin used if he/she has even used marijuana, they will probably say yes. But, if you ask them is they have ever smoked a Marlboro, they will probably say yes too.Agreed. Alcohol is what is called a "Doorway Drug".
It opens the door to an altered consciousness and when that feeling (High/Drunk) stabilizes or diminishes, the individual then seeks out the next step.....
Marijuana, then
Cocaine,
then Heroine and then all that is usually followed by death with an overdose.
I think it is more about addictive personality types.
Just my opinion. I am not a doctor, but I did stay at a Holiday Inn once.
Ray