There is a new concept being debated in the field of psychology and substance abuse revolving around the theory that trauma is the new “gateway drug”. 

The term “gateway drug” refers to a substance, typically legal and socially accepted, that is believed to lead to the use of other, often more harmful, substances. Historically, marijuana has often been referred to as a potential gateway drug, suggesting that its use might lead to the use of harder drugs.  Now experts are discussing whether trauma, especially episodes that have not been addressed or healed, could be the new gateway drug.

Mental Health Educator, Natasha A. Pierre, CWIP, CEIC, joined Gayle Guyardo the host of the global health and wellness show Bloom to join the conversation.

BLOOM is Tampa Bay’s only daily 1-hour TV show focusing on health & lifestyle.

You can watch weekdays at 2:00pm only on WFLA News Channel 8 — with an encore broadcast late night 3:00am. Tune into BLOOM and watch your life grow!

Bloom is also part of DBTV Network Seen In Over 300 Million Households worldwide, including Roku TV, and Amazon Fire. 

The health and lifestyle show also airs in 40 markets across the country, with a reach of approximately 36 million households, and in Puerto Rico, U.S. Virgin Islands and Madison, WI.