Many people associate peer pressure with childhood or teenage years. When it comes to the way peer pressure is portrayed throughout society, you may think that the concept of peer pressure is exclusive to that age range. However, that is simply not the case.
Peer pressure can occur at all ages and in all walks of life peer pressure is a powerful force that can shape our behavior, decision-making, and even our identity. While peer pressure can have positive results, more often than not the concept is associated with bad or even harmful choices, such as peer pressure’s influence on substance abuse and addiction.
Understanding the connection between peer pressure and substance abuse is important as it relates to just not the prevention of substance abuse and addiction but also recovery.
Keep reading to learn more about peer pressure, both the good and the bad, as well as how peer pressure is commonly linked to substance abuse and addiction.
What is Peer Pressure?
By definition, peer pressure is the influence exerted by individuals within the same social group to persuade someone to conform to certain behaviors, attitudes, or values. These groups can include friends, colleagues, classmates, or any circle where belonging and acceptance are valued. Peer pressure often stems from our desire to be liked and accepted at all costs.
There are two primary forms of peer pressure: direct and indirect. Direct peer pressure involves explicit encouragement or coercion to engage in specific activities, such as drinking alcohol or using drugs. Indirect peer pressure, on the other hand, stems from the subtle expectations or norms established within a group, leading individuals to conform without being explicitly told to do so.
Positive and Negative Peer Pressure
We touched on it very briefly in the intro, but it’s important to note that, contrary to popular belief, not all peer pressure is inherently bad or harmPeer peer pressure can result in success, positive change, and personal growth. However, far too often, peer pressure is associated with negative behaviors.
So, on that note, let’s take a look at some examples of both positive and negative peer pressure:
Positive peer pressure encourages someone to adopt beneficial habits and attitudes. This, in turn, can create an environment where people are inspired to make better decisions to achieve their goals.
Some examples of positive peer pressure include:
- Friends urging a person in their group to exercise more or eat healthy
- Classmmotivateating each other to excel in school
- Co-workers fostering a culture of professionalism and success
Negative peer pressure is what we all tend to associate the concept of peer pressure with. Negative peer pressure often involves encouraging or even requiring risky or unhealthy behaviors to fit in with the group.
While in real-time negative peer pressure may seem harmless enough, its consequences can be far-reaching, including resulting in physical, social, or emotional harm.
Examples of negative peer pressure include:
- Promoting the use of illicit substances
- Trying to get someone to drink in excess
- Pressuring someone into doing something dangerous or illegal
The Relationship Between Peer Pressure And Addiction
Negative peer pressure is where substance abuse and addiction can come into play. After all, one of the common causes of addiction is one’s environment. If those around you are using and abusing drugs and alcohol you are more likely to follow suit for fear of not fitting in or being judged. Furthermore, if everyone around you is drinking or doing drugs, subconsciously you may think that there’s no harm in you doing it as well. After all, everyone else is doing it and nothing bad seems to be happening to them.
That need to fit in is just one of the many psychological and social dynamics associated with peer pressure and addiction. There’s also the vulnerability factor. A person with low self-esteem or lack of support system may find themselves clamoring for any kind of acceptance or sense of community, even if it means doing things to gain that acceptance.
And finally, there’s also the age factor. After all, there’s a reason why the concept of peer pressure is so closely associated with kids and teenagers. Adolescents are particularly susceptible to peer pressure due to the lack of brain development at that age. There is also a heightened need for social approval and to fit in with social groups. This can lead to kids and teenagers doing things that can be harmful, dangerous, or even illegal like experimenting with drugs and alcohol.
Peer Pressure and Other Types of Addiction
While drugs and alcohol are the most common addictions that can form as a result of peer pressure, they are hardly the only ones.
Behavioral and emotional addictions can also be caused by peer pressure such as:
- Gambling Addiction – Group settings like casinos or betting pools can foster risky gambling behaviors.
- Social Media and Technology Addiction – Peer influence often promotes excessive screen time or unhealthy online habits, leading to digital addiction.
- Eating Disorders – Peer comparisons or group norms around body image can lead to harmful eating behaviors.
- Relationship Issues – Peer groups that normalize unhealthy relationship dynamics can perpetuate emotional dependency or abuse cycles.
Tips On How to Resist Peer Pressure and Avoid Relapse
Resisting peer pressure is a skill that requires self-awareness, confidence, and preparation.
Here are some ways you can stay grounded, and, more importantly not allow peer pressure to result in a relapse:
One of the things psychotherapy teaches us in treatment is how to properly identify our triggers that may have played a hand in our addiction. These triggers often include the social groups we kept when we were using and the peer pressure that was associated with those groups, either direct or indirect. Avoiding those triggers or, if not possible, minimizing them whenever possible can help maintain sobriety and prevent a relapse.
It’s important to surround yourself with friends, family, or support groups that encourage healthy choices and understand your journey. This is an example of positive peer pressure as these people want to see you succeed not just in your sobriety but also in life.
Unfortunately, one of the side effects of peer pressure is that it is often considered bad to say no to something. However, being able to say no is important. It’s also important to remember that it’s ok to say no and not feel guilty about it. Being able to say no and mean it is a great way to help ensure that you do not find yourself in a position where you may relapse.
Along those lines of being assertive and being ok with saying no, it’s also important to establish clear boundaries about what behaviors and activities you will and will not tolerate in social settings.
And finally, if you feel you are in a situation that is not good for you and your sobriety, have a plan in place to pull the proverbial ripcord and get out. If you need to, put a plan together ahead of time, especially if it means needing to involve a friend, family member, or loved one to help execute the exit strategy.
Overcoming Peer Pressure and Getting Help
Being able to overcome the negative associations of peer pressure is not a one-time thing. Depending on your environment or your surroundings, you may have to constantly have your head on a swivel when it comes to peer pressure.
It’s also important to remember that successfully navigating peer pressure is not something that you have to do on your own. You have multiple options when it comes to getting help so that you don’t succumb to peer pressure.
If you are newly sober and finding yourself struggling with successfully navigating peer pressure, consider one or more of the following options:
- Addiction Counseling – Continued therapy can help build resilience and develop strategies to cope with peer dynamics.
- Support Groups – Support groups, such as AA, NA, and other 12-step programs provide peer support in a positive, addiction-free environment.
- Aftercare Services – Many treatment programs, such as Origins Texas offer aftercare programs and services designed to prevent relapse by offering ongoing counseling and support.
Origins Texas is Here to Help With Peer Pressure and Substance Abuse
At Origins Texas we understand the importance of having the right tools to successfully navigate peer pressure in sobriety. That’s why, in addition to our treatment services, we also offer continued aftercare and alumni programs to help you successfully navigate your new, sober journey through life.
If you or a loved one requires addiction or mental help treatment, contact us today.
