The ‘gateway drug’ is alcohol, not marijuana

[bunnymunro]

Does this mean that alcohol somehow has chemicals in it which stimulate cravings for harder drugs?

I am sure it doesn't, however it is usually our first experience in chemically altered consciousness, and a form of self-administration of same. As I see it, this "opens the door" on altering your state, and piques your curiosity, perhaps maybe even on a subconscious level.

There again, I could be talking out my arse, and even if there is no such thing as a gateway drug, people would find their way directly to their DOC.. nah, can't see that without trial and error