How prevalent is peer pressure on teenage drug abuse?

Guest post by Paige Hawin from the Haynes Clinic. Feel free to contact Paige at [email protected].

People start abusing illicit substances for a number of reasons. Some indulge for fun or curiosity, other because they are bored or are trying to overcome a personal struggle and some are effected by their environment, including friends and family. Peer pressure is often cited to be a majoring factor in adolescent drug abuse.

There has been fierce argument on just how prevalent peer pressure is. Some argue that teenagers rarely push each other to do harmful things in today’s society and that friends have a more subtle role in influencing a teenager’s behavior. Others argue that peer influence is one of the strongest factors of drug abuse. Sometimes an initiation is needed before someone can join a specific group of people. This may be providing drugs and forcing someone to take them. Regardless of the vehement argument, it can be said that peer pressure certainly plays a large role among youths.

A peer can be anyone of any age to whom you look up to. Most likely they will be equal in age and are often people we choose to associate with although this isn’t always the case. Therefore, peers can be friends, family, and members of the community.

According to a survey conducted by Survelum Public Data Bank, students felt pressured by their peer groups between 35 and 49 percent of the time. The two main excuses of ‘I thought it was cool’ and ‘my friends smoke’ were the reason those aged between 12 and 17 start to smoke, according to The Canadian Lung Association.

Although it is true that the choice to partake in drug use is ultimately the individual’s choice, it is also true, to a certain extent, that there is power to peer pressure on a child’s desire to fit in with a group, particularly if they are deemed to have a high social status. Drug use can have a profound influence on behaviour and attitude.

Fighting the battle against peer pressure can be difficult but there are a number of things you can do:

• Say no – this is definitely easier said than done and can be especially hard to say to a group of friends. Being assertive is key and seeking advice and support from elders such as family members or teachers can always help.
• Don’t be judgmental and do not retaliate – respect that that is what they want to do and they should respect your decision not to partake. Just remember why you don’t agree with them and remember that it is ok for you to not feel happy with their choices.
• Find a comfortable and safe environment to do some research on drug abuse. Having the knowledge and understanding about all the dangers of illicit substances can help you. When this is done without the influence or pressure of others around you, it can help to assert yourself among your peers.
• Hang out only with those you feel comfortable and safe around in the first place. Make friends with who you have common ground with. You will be happier.
• Throw yourself into some positive peer pressure. Take up a sport, throw yourself into your studies or find a new hobby. Chances are you will distract yourself and even make a new bunch of friends.

There is a certain amount of truth that teens with friends who do drugs and drink alcohol are more likely to follow and convince others to do so. Finding a peer group whose rules are there to protect the members and be firm friends is the one you should seek out.

For more information, check out:

http://everydaylife.globalpost.com/peer-pressure-highly-influence-students-11212.html

http://teens.lovetoknow.com/Statistics_on_Peer_Pressure