Once you've crossed the line with a gateway drug, you're more likely to go there with other drugs, too. Gateway drugs impair your judgement. If you're drunk or high, it's easier to say yes to cocaine or whatever else is around. These drugs break down your inhibitions, so you're more susceptible to peer pressure or experimenting. Not to mention give you zits.
Many people mistakenly think that gateway drugs are less serious than other drugs.
These people are, well, wrong. What's more, gateway drugs are just as dangerous as any other drug when it comes to things like driving a car. Having your abilities impaired by gateway drugs, or any other drug, will get you in a car wreck or slapped with a D.U.I faster than you can ask for another beer. Plus, gateway drugs can get you into just as much trouble as other drugs. In many states, possession of marijuana is serious enough to get you chucked in jail.