Peer pressure is common in adolescence and can be difficult for teens to resist. However, peer pressure does not necessarily stop when you enter adulthood. Peers of all ages can exert pressure on one another in many ways, some obvious and others less so. It is essential to understand what peer pressure looks like, why it happens, and how you can manage it.
At Promises Brazos Valley, we understand how hard it can be to resist peer pressure, especially in your younger years. It is normal to want to fit in with others and bond over shared experiences, which sometimes include drinking or using drugs. But succumbing to peer pressure can make you vulnerable to addiction, so you must know how to prevent it from affecting your choices. Call us today at 979.426.0086 if you or a loved one is struggling with peer pressure and alcohol misuse.
What Are the Types of Peer Pressure?
Peer pressure comes in various forms, some more difficult to spot than others. Once you are familiar with the different types of peer pressure, you can notice when someone is trying to coerce you into something you do not want to do. Here are some types of peer pressure, along with examples of each:
- Direct – This is when a friend or acquaintance asks you to do something. An example is someone asking you at a party if you want a beer. Although you did not intend to drink, you may feel pressured to accept the beer because you feel put on the spot.
- Indirect – This comes from observing others’ actions without being directly involved. For example, watching TV shows that depict characters engaging in risky behaviors like heavy drinking or drug use or hearing your peers talking about substance use can influence your behavior.
- Spoken – This is when your friends tell you to do something directly or indirectly. This could be a friend insisting you go to a party with them so they do not have to go alone.
- Unspoken – This is a little trickier to recognize. When you are exposed to certain behaviors, like a group of friends doing shots, you may feel pressured to join them even if they do not ask directly.
- Negative – Peer pressure is most often assumed to be negative. Negative peer pressure could involve a friend trying to get you to drink when you do not want to.
- Positive – Peer pressure can sometimes be positive. An example of positive peer pressure is seeing others turn down drugs or alcohol, so you follow suit and abstain from using these substances.
There are some overlaps between the six different types of pure pressure. Not all peer pressure is terrible, so recognizing when others influence you and how it impacts your choices can help you avoid negative peer pressure and make the most of it.
About Peer Pressure and Alcohol
Many young people start drinking alcohol due to peer pressure. During the teen years, feeling a sense of belonging is incredibly important. Middle school, high school, and college years are when people figure out who they are and develop their identities.
If you want to be part of a particular social circle, you may succumb to negative peer pressure to participate in alcohol or drug use. This can make you susceptible to the adverse effects of drinking, such as blackouts, alcohol overdose, or addiction. If you feel pressured by others to drink when you do not want to, talk to someone you trust or seek the help of a therapist.
Get Support to Maintain Your Recovery at Promises Brazos Valley
Whether you are struggling to stay sober or you worry that you are at risk of developing an alcohol addiction, you can trust Promises Brazos Valley. Our team of professionals understands how intense peer pressure can be, but we can help you stay strong and stand up for yourself. Get the support you need by contacting Promises Brazos Valley today at 979.426.0086 to enroll in one of our treatment programs.