Which term describes drugs that are typically used first by a drug user?

The term that describes drugs typically used first by a drug user is "gateway drugs." This concept refers to substances that are often experimented with and can lead to the use of more dangerous or addictive drugs later on. Common examples of gateway drugs include alcohol, marijuana, and tobacco.

These substances may not initially be seen as harmful, which contributes to their accessibility and the likelihood that young or inexperienced users will try them. The theory is that the use of these less harmful drugs can pave the way for the use of more potent or addictive substances. Understanding the concept of gateway drugs is significant in addiction prevention and education, as recognizing these initial steps can inform strategies to deter further drug use.

Other terms presented do not accurately encapsulate this concept. Transition drugs, for instance, are not a widely recognized category and do not specifically refer to substances that lead to other drug use. Hard drugs are typically understood to refer to more potent and dangerous substances without the implication of a progression or gateway effect. Prescription drugs are medications prescribed by healthcare professionals and do not inherently indicate the same progression towards harder drug use as gateway drugs do.