Trauma can be considered a gateway to substance abuse in the following ways: 1) People who experience childhood trauma, such as abuse, often seek outlets to deal with the resulting psychological issues later in life, sometimes turning to alcohol or drugs. 2) Trauma changes the brain, especially the prefrontal cortex responsible for reasoning and judgment, which can increase risk-taking behaviors like substance abuse. 3) Targeting substances alone will not curb abuse, as trauma must be addressed as a root cause that can precede substance problems. Recognizing trauma's role is key to effective drug reform.