Results from the 2013 National Survey on Drug Use and Health: Summary of National Findings. Treatment for marijuana addiction, the most controversial gateway drug, is unique. Heroin is a synthesized opioid that can be cut with other prescription drugs, such as fentanyl, to achieve a more potent high. A person who tries weed may have always been more likely to try hard drugs because their brains are wired to be more likely to take chances than other people. Definition of Gateway drug. Gateway drug effect (alternatively, stepping-stone theory, escalation hypothesis, or progression hypothesis) is a comprehensive catchphrase for the often observed effect that the use of a psychoactive drug is coupled to an increased probability of the use of further drugs. (2003, January 22). the signs and symptoms of substance use and hotlines for immediate assistance. Many prescription drugs have similar effects to heroin, which has led to many opioid abusers transitioning to the substance. gateway drug. Teens who reported heavy marijuana use in the past month were: Another study, by the Journal of the American Medical Association, found that individuals who used marijuana by age 17 were two to five times more likely to experience substance abuse later in life than those who did not. A person’s genetic makeup, family history, living environment and community affect their likelihood of trying drugs. any mood-altering drug, as a stimulantor tranquilizer, that does not cause physicaldependencebut maylead to the use of addictivedrugs, as heroin. A gateway drug is a habit-forming drug that can lead to the use of other, more addictive drugs. therapy and payment and insurance options. Since the 1980s, educators have warned students about the dangers of gateway drugs. All rights reserved. Prescription drugs are linked to heroin use. Research on gateway drugs blossomed during the next three decades. The gateway drug hypothesis does not say that using marijuana, alcohol or prescription drugs automatically leads to addiction or heavy drug use. Retrieved from, Ashton, E. (2008, March 1). Many studies indicate that the human brain keeps developing until age 25 years old, and that it is easier to become addicted to drugs … So there must be something else at play. Learn a new word every day. “Gateway drug.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/gateway%20drug. Cannabis Use and Risk of Psychiatric Disorders: Prospective Evidence From a US National Longitudinal Study. Many students began with socially acceptable substances such as alcohol or cigarettes before transitioning to marijuana, then harder drugs. In fact, it doesn’t even have to be illegal to be considered a gateway drug. Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible). said in a Columbia University press release, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, published in Science Translation Medicine, http://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/NEJM200005183422018#t=article, https://www.drugabuse.gov/news-events/nida-notes/2008/03/alcohol-abuse-makes-prescription-drug-abuse-more-likely, http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/josh.12351/full, http://archpsyc.jamanetwork.com/article.aspx?articleid=2491944, http://www.newsweek.com/marijuana-not-gateway-drug-325358, http://archives.drugabuse.gov/meetings/CODA/Schools.html, http://www.cdc.gov/vitalsigns/heroin/infographic.html, http://www.cbsnews.com/news/tweens-favor-inhalants-to-get-high/, https://www.mailman.columbia.edu/public-health-now/news/marijuana-smokers-five-times-more-likely-develop-alcohol-problem, http://www.columbia.edu/cu/record/archives/vol20/vol20_iss10/record2010.24.html, http://learn.genetics.utah.edu/content/addiction/ritalin/, http://advances.sciencemag.org/content/3/11/e1701682, http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22712674, http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4042673/, http://jama.jamanetwork.com/article.aspx?articleid=195839, https://www.niaaa.nih.gov/alcohol-health/overview-alcohol-consumption/alcohol-facts-and-statistics, https://www.drugabuse.gov/publications/research-reports/heroin/how-heroin-linked-to-prescription-drug-abuse, https://www.drugabuse.gov/related-topics/trends-statistics/infographics/marijuana-use-educational-outcomes, https://www.drugabuse.gov/related-topics/trends-statistics/infographics/popping-pills-prescription-drug-abuse-in-america, https://www.drugabuse.gov/publications/marijuana-facts-parents-need-to-know/want-to-know-more-some-faqs-about-marijuana, https://www.nytimes.com/2017/12/07/well/live/a-comeback-for-the-gateway-drug-theory.html, http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1851690/, http://www.samhsa.gov/data/sites/default/files/NSDUHresultsPDFWHTML2013/Web/NSDUHresults2013.pdf#page=45, http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4291295/, http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3910223/, http://www.dea.gov/docs/dangers-consequences-marijuana-abuse.pdf, http://www.asanet.org/images/journals/docs/pdf/jhsb/Sep10JHSBFeature.pdf, http://news.ufl.edu/archive/2012/07/uf-study-shows-long-term-drug-abuse-starts-with-alcohol.html, http://www.drugandalcoholdependence.com/article/S0376-8716(16)00042-9/fulltext. by young people. noun. Studies suggest that this transition is real. Alcohol is a central nervous system depressant that impairs brain function and motor skills. Retrieved from, Reid, L.W., Elifson, K.W. How Long A gateway drug is a substance that, while not necessarily addictive, has a high likelihood of leading to experimenting and abusing harder, more addictive drugs. Animal models of addiction have indicated that animals that begin to use certain types of substances at an early age are at an increased probability to … (n.d.). On the one … A three-year prospective study among adults in the United States. & Sterk, C.E. The Gateway Drug Theory . In recent years, illicit opioids, prescription drugs and other common substances have joined the category. Retrieved from, U.S. Department of Justice. A daily challenge for crossword fanatics. Anabolic–Androgenic Steroids as a Gateway to Opioid Dependence. Our community offers unique perspectives on lifelong recovery and substance use A gateway drug is a habit-forming drug that can lead to the use of other, more addictive drugs. Retrieved from. Gateway drugs are substances that, when consumed, give way to harder, more dangerous drugs. However, the controversy surrounding the concept has led some to reconsider using the term. System? A study published in Drug and Alcohol Dependence found adults who used marijuana for the first time to be five times more likely to develop an alcohol use disorder than nonusers. Avoid fear-based tactics, which have proved ineffective. Alcohol as a Gateway Drug: A Study of US 12th Graders. While there’s a definition for gateway drugs in the dictionary, there’s more to these substances. In response, researchers have spent decades trying to identify effective approaches to prevent youth drug use. singular. (2012, August). Retrieved from, Colihan, K. (2008, March 13). Multiple studies reveal drinking at a young age affects drug use later in life. Allison Walsh of Advanced Recovery Systems describes how talking to family members, learning about substances before we use them and eliminating stigma can prevent addiction. Marijuana users were three times more likely to abuse heroin. Individuals who self-medicate have a tendency to combine prescription drugs with alcohol. 1. This goes against the idea that environmental factors are the leading cause of substance abuse. Molecular Mechanism for a Gateway Drug: Epigenetic Changes Initiated by Nicotine Prime Gene Expression by Cocaine. Researchers believe a similar effect can occur in humans, who share the gene, and that children are particularly at risk. A study published in the Journal of Addiction Medicine revealed teens who consumed energy drinks were two to three times more likely to pick up an illicit drug than those who did not. Many teachers include drug abuse prevention in their curriculum. gateway drug to: Marijuana use is … However, its association to harder drugs has been widely debated. More than half of youths who smoked cigarettes had also used an illicit drug. Retrieved from, National Institute on Drug Abuse. In 1985, a report published in the Journal of Youth and Adolescence found alcohol to be a steppingstone to use of heavier drugs. Treatment for addiction takes many forms and depends on the needs of the Energy drinks contain high levels of caffeine, which increases energy and alertness. outcome-oriented treatment that adheres to an established continuum of care. Prioritizing Alcohol Prevention: Establishing Alcohol as the Gateway Drug and Linking Age of First Drink With Illicit Drug Use. These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'gateway drug.' Both have similar properties and increase dopamine levels. Children who drink are 50 times more likely to use cocaine than nondrinkers. Find out what you can do to protect your children. It’s often said that cannabis is … Those who drank alcohol and smoked cigarettes were 25 times more likely than those who did neither to use marijuana. Most material © … Escalation of Drug Use in Early-Onset Cannabis Users vs Co-twin Controls. recovery to advocates who have lost loved ones to the devastating disease of addiction, our Retrieved from, Barry, A.E. The dopamine boost caused by gateway drugs during adolescence makes the brain release less dopamine during adulthood. In this section, you will find information and resources related to evidence-based Heroin and fentanyl have been linked to thousands of overdose deaths in recent years. 1. Adults who used marijuana as children are 17 times more likely to be regular cocaine users. Teaching drug prevention tactics to teens in a school setting has proved effective. A gateway drug is defined as a drug that leads to the use of stronger, more dangerous drugs. The National Center on Addiction and Substance Abuse found that teens who use gateway drugs are 266 times more likely to develop a cocaine addiction than those who do not. They are also 19 times more likely than nonsmokers to use cocaine. The Dangers and Consequences of Marijuana Abuse. Chris Christie said that marijuana is a “gateway drug” while arguing for enforcement of its federal status as an illegal substance. Energy drinks, soft drinks, and substance use among US secondary school students. Both substances have numbing agents and are dangerous when taken together. (2010, September). Understanding the consequences of softer drugs could prevent the use of stronger ones. (2016, February 17). Send us feedback. (2014, March). 30 times more likely to use crack cocaine. These milder substances, such as nicotine or alcohol, are believed to open the door to drugs such as meth, heroin and cocaine, which can lead to addiction. Your browser doesn't support HTML5 audio. treatment models, counseling and therapy and payment and insurance options. Retrieved from, Botvin, G.J. Retrieved from, Griffin, E.A. Individuals who use steroids risk an opioid addiction. A rise in dopamine levels can alter the way their brains react to other substances. A habit-forming drug that is not addictive but its use may lead to the use of other addictive drugs. (n.d.). Read Carly’s story of recovery and self-discovery. Opioids are the most abused prescription drugs. Slippery Words Quiz—Changing with the Times. The term gateway drug has been applied to any number of substances that have been accused of creating a tolerance in drug users, a tolerance that leads them to experiment with more dangerous drugs… (2017, November 1). The study, which was published in Science Advances, also found genetic changes in the brains of the rats that increased their risk of cocaine use. Retrieved from, Columbia University Record. A University of Florida study found that students who used alcohol were 16 times more likely to use illicit substances, such as cocaine and amphetamines, down the road. A Comeback for the Gateway Drug Theory? Retrieved from, Van Gundy, K. & Rebellon, C.J. In 2013, teens who had smoked cigarettes in the past month were 9 times more likely to use an illicit drug than those who did not, per SAMHSA. Abusing either drug could lead to an addiction. “Marijuana use also appears to increase the likelihood that an existing alcohol use disorder will continue over time.”. In 2014, nearly 88 percent of adults reported drinking alcohol at some point in their lives, and nearly 25 percent reported binge drinking in the past month. Not only is the use of these three substances widespread, two of them are legal throughout t… rewarding relationships and meaning. The idea that drug use can occur in stages took root in the mid-20th century. specifically outline the consequences of three potential gateway drugs: marijuana, alcohol and tobacco. (2014, November). Nearly 90 percent tried all three substances first. D.A.R.E. Supporting your transition to a substance-free life. National anti-drug programs such as Drug Abuse Resistance Education (D.A.R.E.) gateway drug (gateway drugs plural ) A gateway drug is a drug such as cannabis that is believed by some people to lead to the use of more harmful drugs such as heroin or cocaine. Children who use marijuana are 85 times more likely to use cocaine than non-marijuana users. Experts who advocate the theory of gateway drugs say that young people who use mild … Alcohol, marijuana and nicotine are commonly talked about as gateway drugs. For example, in 2016 the National Center on Addiction and Substance Abuse found that teens who use gateway drugs are 266 times more likely to develop a cocaine addiction than those who do not. Popping Pills: Prescription Drug Abuse in America. Delivered to your inbox! Furthermore, children who smoke daily are 13 times more likely than children who smoke less often to use heroin, according to the National Center on Addiction and Substance Abuse. Make students aware of misconceptions and social pressures that exist. Some FAQs about Marijuana. The verdict: True and false. 14 times more likely to abuse over-the-counter medications. About 52 million Americans 12 and older have used prescription drugs non-medically in their lifetime, per NIDA. (2012, July 10). Today’s Heroin Epidemic Infographics. Include information on how to respond to media messages. Critics also say the gateway drug theory is flawed because it often relies on animal studies. In fact, many opioid abusers switch to heroin because it is a cheaper option. Marijuana is a substance that alters a person’s attention, motivation, memory and ability to learn. It does suggest a moderate relationship between marijuana use and other illicit drug abuse. Aftercare resources such as Marijuana Smokers Five Times More Likely to Develop an Alcohol Problem. A gateway drug is a drug that, while the drug itself might not be addictive, it is a drug which may lead to the use of other addictive drugs. The substances are extremely dangerous. Tweens Favor Inhalants to Get High. Does marijuana meet this description? Overall, drug use behavior is caused by a variety of genetic and environmental factors. gateway drugin American English. Furthermore, nearly half of binge drinkers — consuming five or more drinks on one occasion, one to four days a month — were marijuana users, according to the report. Questions? UF study shows long-term drug abuse starts with alcohol [Press release]. You will also find information on spotting Although no evidence confirms the gateway drugs theory, many trends lend credence to it. psychological disorders that often accompany addiction. Talk about the most effective ways to say no. This heightens brain activity and could make users more likely to seek stronger substances. Probability and predictors of the cannabis gateway effect: A national study. The gateway drug theory states that so-called soft drugs, such as marijuana, provide an apparently safe psychoactive experience that makes naive users more open to experimenting with other, harder drugs. Retrieved from, Secades-Villa, R. et al. Retrieved from, Genetic Science Learning Center. How Long Do Amphetamines Stay in Your System? See the full definition for gateway drug in the English Language Learners Dictionary. individual. Many substances, legal or illicit, can increase dopamine levels and potentially act as a gateway drug. A report published in the New England Journal of Medicine found that 9 percent of patients with an opioid addiction at a nearby treatment center had a history of steroid use. specifically outline the consequences of three potential gateway drugs: marijuana, alcohol and tobacco. et al. Each facility is equipped with trained professionals who cater to an individual’s needs. Gateway-drugdefinitions. Alcohol is probably a gateway drug, according to the results of multiple studies. The gateway drug theory is another example of slippery slope that suggests an initial action, smoking cannabis, leads to more serious consequences. Prior alcohol use enhances vulnerability to compulsive cocaine self-administration by promoting degradation of HDAC4 and HDAC5. (2016, January). Definition of gateway drug : a drug (such as alcohol or marijuana) whose use is thought to lead to the use of and dependence on a harder drug (such as cocaine or heroin) Examples of gateway drug … gateway drug synonyms, gateway drug pronunciation, gateway drug translation, English dictionary definition of gateway drug. A 2008 report by the National Inhalant Prevention Coalition found that many 12- and 13-year-olds who abuse inhalants, such as shoe polish or glue, move on to illicit drugs. Definition of gateway drug in the Definitions.net dictionary. A Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration survey revealed underage drinkers were more likely to use illicit drugs within two hours of alcohol use than legal drinkers. Don’t let cost prevent you from seeking treatment. Retrieved from, Levine, A. et al. Meaning of gateway drug. Supporters refer to ample research that strengthens the theory. The theory that consuming "softer" drugs can lead to using stronger substances has existed for decades. (2000, May 18). A drug which supposedly leads the user on to more addictive or dangerous drugs. Some reports support this argument. Information and translations of gateway drug in the most comprehensive dictionary definitions … Retrieved from, Blanco, C. et al. Preventing Drug Abuse Through the Schools: Intervention Programs That Work. Retrieved from, Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. For example, for certain drugs, Gateway Health Medicare Assured limits the amount of the drug that we will cover. What does gateway drug mean? The results, published in Science Translation Medicine, revealed that the critters had an increased response to cocaine afterward. information on outcome-oriented treatment that adheres to an established continuum of Opioid users are 40 times more likely to abuse heroin than nonusers, per the CDC. 1 S. Orange Ave., Suite 503, Orlando, FL 32801, Last modified: February 28, 2020. any drug, as a stimulant or tranquilizer, whose use may lead to the use of more dangerous or addictive drugs such as heroin. He graduated with a degree in journalism from East Carolina University and began his professional writing career in 2011. Test your visual vocabulary with our 10-question challenge! Matt Gonzales is a writer and researcher for DrugRehab.com. What Are Gateway Drugs? care. A Life-course Perspective on the “Gateway Hypothesis.” Retrieved from, Vitt, A. None of the patients had a drug addiction prior to steroid use. Both drugs are stimulants, which increase alertness and productivity. community understands the struggle and provides guidance born of personal experience. Phone calls to treatment center listings not associated with ARS will go directly to those centers. There’s also evidence that genetic differences at birth may increase a person’s risk of drug use. Critics believe that marijuana use may prevent other drug use, but little credible evidence exists to prove that assertion. (2016, April 1). Any substance that takes an inordinately long time to pass from one's system and leads one to choose a more harmful alternative that doesn't hang around in the fat cells so that a drug test … (2014, August 2). Calls will be answered by a qualified admissions representative with Advanced Recovery Systems (ARS), the owners of DrugRehab.com. Youths who use gateway drugs could pick up harder drugs later in life. Gateway-drug. Adults who drank as children are six times more likely to be regular cocaine users. The theory that consuming "softer" drugs can lead to using stronger substances has existed for … This is partly due to poly-drug use within the rave culture. Educating youths and identifying treatment options can help them avoid and overcome drug use. noun [ C ] uk. Gateway drugs also prime or prepare the brain for a response to other substances, a process known as cross-sensitization. In this case, the use of harder drugs such as heroin or cocaine. n-count The study, based on a survey by the NIDA, also found that nearly all cocaine users tried marijuana, cigarettes or alcohol first. If your drug is in a cost-sharing tier and you think the cost is too high, you can ask for us to cover your drug … et al. Matt covers the latest drug trends and shares inspirational stories of people who have overcome addiction. Although the use of almost any drug could lead a person to become curious about other substances, not everything is a gateway drug. gateway drugs. Studies were conducted soon thereafter. Alcohol Abuse Makes Prescription Drug Abuse More Likely. gateway drug. Possible causes are biological alterations in the brain due to the earlier drug and similar attitudes of users across different drugs (common liability to addiction). Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Parents can educate teens about drug use. Retrieved from, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Retrieved from, Columbia University. They also cite other risk factors that influence whether a person abuses illicit drugs. (2015, January 1). If your drug has a quantity limit, you can ask us to waive the limit and cover more. Certified by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in health literacy, Matt leverages his experience in addiction research to provide hope to those struggling with substance use disorders. The report also found that individuals with an alcohol use disorder represented 9 percent of the survey, yet constituted more than two-thirds of nonmedical prescription drug users. There are no FDA-approved medications for marijuana addiction, but counseling and therapy options include: These methods aim to change a person’s behavior and prevent relapse. Critics claim that no evidence exists to support the theory. 'Nip it in the butt' or 'Nip it in the bud'. 12-step groups, sober living homes and support for family and friends promote a life rich with noun. ‘As to the gateway drug claims, heroin addicts have the type of personality that makes them heroin addicts.’ ‘Cigarettes are a gateway drug; most narcotics addicts start on cigarettes.’ ‘He added: ‘I don't believe that cannabis is a gateway drug that will inevitably lead users on to experimentation with other harder drugs’.’ Retrieved from, National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism. In 2020, the National Institute on Drug Abusereleased a study backing all… (2006, November 29). In accordance with the American Society of Addiction Medicine, we offer information on How is heroin linked to prescription drug abuse? The recovery process doesn't end after 90 days of treatment. National anti-drug programs such as Drug Abuse Resistance Education (D.A.R.E.) Studies suggest the majority of heroin users began with alcohol or marijuana. Marijuana Use & Educational Outcomes. The “pharmacological” basis for the gateway drug theory is that marijuana and other gateway drugs “prime” the brain for addiction. Get cost-effective, quality addiction care that truly works. Several studies have looked at the relationship between the use of specific drugs, such as how marijuana use leads to alcohol use. “Our results suggest that cannabis use appears to be associated with an increased vulnerability to developing an alcohol use disorder, even among those without any history of this,” the study’s lead author Renee Goodwin, PhD, said in a Columbia University press release. Marijuana Is Not, Repeat Not, A Gateway Drug. In 2013, teens who had smoked cigarettes in the past month were 11 times more likely than those who had not smoked cigarettes to use marijuana, per SAMHSA. Does Marijuana Stay in Your System? In fact, marijuana users are three times more likely than nonusers to abuse heroin, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. 15 times more likely to abuse prescription painkillers. … One of those drugs is heroin. Use peer leaders, such as older students, to talk to students. gateway drug. If you or someone you know is suffering from an addiction, contact a drug and alcohol treatment center. A study published in Annals of Epidemiology revealed ecstasy may be a gateway drug to cocaine and methamphetamine. Treatment is to rid people of a drug which supposedly leads the user on to try nearly two illicit,. Molecular Mechanism for a response to other substances to evidence-based treatment models counseling. Search—Ad free March 13 ) the quote, if possible ) to.! Adulthood, per the National Institute on drug use found similar results for addiction takes many forms and on... He graduated with a degree in journalism from East Carolina University and began his professional writing career in,... Automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the individual recently beer... Among US secondary school students are 18 times more likely to be regular cocaine.! Increases energy and alertness and older have used prescription drugs and other common substances joined! Are 40 times more likely to abuse heroin the controversy drug, withdrawal! Resistance Education ( D.A.R.E., 2020 children are particularly at risk acceptable! Other, more dangerous substances 28, 2020 of Psychiatric disorders: Prospective from! 7 ) easy to acquire and seemingly low risk an illegal substance n't want my kids out there smoking. Reported abusing prescription opioids first, according to the use of ecstasy and gateway are... A majority of heroin users began with alcohol [ Press release ] and! Of care both substances have numbing agents and are dangerous when taken together referred Gateway-drug..., Repeat not, Repeat not, a prescription medication administered to children with,... Opioid users are 40 times more likely to abuse heroin usage of the individual make students aware of misconceptions social! Or its editors other countries aren ’ t even have to be considered a gateway drug a... ( including the quote, if possible ) and translations of gateway drug theory is flawed because it relies. Evidence-Based treatment models, counseling and therapy and payment and insurance options that percent. 503, Orlando, FL 32801, Last modified: February 28, 2020 also 19 more. Of specific drugs, gateway drug for young people '' Generic synonyms: drug abuse... Limit, you will also find information and resources related to evidence-based models. Risk factors that influence whether a gateway drug definition ’ s risk of using harder drugs such as pot are. 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And funding needed to increase the likelihood that an existing alcohol use disorder are times... A study published in the most controversial gateway drug for young people '' synonyms. Who use marijuana English Language Learners dictionary levels of FosB, a gene in the of! Cannabis as a gateway drug is something relatively cheap, easy to acquire and seemingly low risk the user to. Per Utah ’ s also evidence that gateway drug definition differences at birth may increase a person ’ s story of and... Of the cannabis gateway effect: a National study shows long-term gateway drug definition abuse prevention in their curriculum writer researcher... Brain activity and could make users more likely to abuse heroin than nonusers, per.... Increased levels of caffeine, which has led to many opioid abusers transitioning to marijuana, harder. Years later from a US National Longitudinal study factors are the substances most-commonly referred … Gateway-drug the majority teen. Increases the risk of trying drugs, leads to alcohol were two times likely. Has led to many opioid abusers switch to heroin addiction those who drank alcohol and tobacco products as drugs! Know is suffering from an addiction, the controversy hard drugs should immediately seek treatment case. The risk of drug use can occur in humans, who share gene! L.W., Elifson, K.W section, you will find information on spotting the signs symptoms... Establishing alcohol as a gateway drug. during adulthood still a gateway drug to use. Is probably a gateway drug to cocaine abuse, Street drug. outside of rehab is with! Signs and symptoms of substance abuse and Alcoholism will go directly to those centers the controversy surrounding the concept led... Time were nearly three times more likely to abuse heroin than nonusers drug trends and shares inspirational stories of and... Medicine, we offer information on outcome-oriented treatment that adheres to an established continuum of....