I'm sure there has been plenty of research on this term and it's "truth". Just doing a search I found:

http://substanceabuse.suite101.com/article.cfm/gateway_drugs

And there is research to the contrary. DARE website says:

--quote--

While there is no guarantee that a youngster will make the leap from gateway drugs to far more toxic and dangerous drugs such as methamphetamines, cocaine, or heroin, research suggests that in the majority of the cases they will not. Still, who wants to roll the dice with their youngster’s health and future happiness? Most addicts began their downward spiral with the gateway drugs; very few youngsters or adults jump right into hard drugs. Keeping children free and clear of the gateway substances for as long as possible is your mission.

--endquote--

No matter... as the saying goes "There are lies, damn lies and statistics." You can make the numbers go any way you want.

I like what the DARE site says: "Still, who wants to roll the dice with... their health and future happiness?"
Source(s):
http://www.dare.com/parents/Parents_KeepingKidsDrugFree/Default2f75.asp

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