Peer Pressure of Drinking

When the term “peer pressure” pops up, what do you envision? Perhaps you recall your mom’s age-old advice to stay true to yourself and not succumb to it. Maybe memories of youthful days, being nudged to take a drink or try weed, flash in your mind. Which age bracket do you associate with peer pressure?

Though teenagers often bear the brunt of peer pressure, it doesn’t magically vanish as we age. The intensity might vary, but its presence is felt throughout various life stages.

While the legal drinking age is 21, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) indicates that 11% of all alcohol consumed in the U.S. is by those aged 12 to 20. In fact, alcohol tops the list of substances most abused by American teens. Shockingly, by the age of 18, 60% of adolescents confess to having consumed alcohol at least once.

This trend of underage drinking isn’t just concerning; it’s a significant public health issue in the U.S. Its ripple effects include accidents, injuries, criminal activities, academic struggles, and tragically, even fatalities. Alcohol can muddle judgment, disrupt regular brain functions, and when consumed early, potentially hinder healthy brain development. Alarmingly, the CDC points out that teens who start drinking before 15 are about six times more prone to grappling with alcohol-related addictions in adulthood compared to those who begin at 21.

Consider the pressure to drink – it’s not age-restricted. From teenagers daring a friend to taste a pilfered beer to adults ribbing a pal for refusing a beer at a Sunday football party, the trend persists.

Merely acknowledging peer pressure doesn’t necessarily arm one against its influence. Yet, by shedding light on the societal norms surrounding substance use, we aim to educate and empower.

At Iris Wellness Group, we’re deeply familiar with the intricacies of substance use and mental well-being. Let’s delve deeper into alcohol, peer pressure, and ways to navigate this landscape.

The Influence of Peer Pressure on Alcohol Consumption

Peer pressure isn’t confined to just high schools or college dorms; it can be felt anywhere, from workplaces to social media platforms. Over the years, there’s been an unmistakable overlap between social media portrayals of alcohol consumption and real-life alcohol use. For instance, a study by the National Center on Addiction and Substance Abuse at Columbia University highlighted that, after viewing images of their peers partying on social media platforms, 75% of teenagers felt a heightened inclination to drink.

Not all peer pressure is detrimental. In its positive form, it might inspire someone to embrace healthier habits, maintain ethical values, or shun drugs and alcohol. However, the downside is that negative peer pressure can act as a catalyst for alcohol misuse. Intriguingly, research published in Alcoholism: Clinical and Experimental Research suggests that peer pressure can actually weaken a gene designed to prevent individuals from succumbing to alcohol-related issues. Resisting such pressures can shield individuals from numerous potential negative outcomes.

Who’s Susceptible to Peer Pressure?

Though commonly associated with teens, peer pressure is far from being an age-specific phenomenon. Adults too can be swayed by the opinions and actions of their peers, especially when alcohol is in the mix.

Teens vs. Adults:

Adolescents are inherently more susceptible to peer influence. Even though they can evaluate risks versus rewards like adults, the presence of peers tends to tip the scales, making them favor rewards over potential risks, as per research from the U.S. National Library of Medicine. This inclination is partly attributed to their evolving brain structures. During adolescence, the brain’s reward mechanisms are hyperactive, gravitating teens towards risky behaviors, including experimenting with alcohol. This makes them especially prone to the influences of their peers. Further complicating matters, data from the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism suggests teens often have misconceptions about the drinking habits of their peers, assuming they drink more than they actually do.

As for adults, the desire to belong and avoid feelings of exclusion doesn’t fade with age. Adults too experience the weight of societal expectations and the longing for acceptance. This can manifest as subtle or direct pressure to drink during social gatherings, especially where alcohol flows freely.

Single-Parent and Blended Families

Certain family structures, like single-parent households or blended families, may make children more vulnerable to peer pressure. An enlightening study from the University of Wisconsin, which analyzed close to 7,000 children aged between 12 to 17, revealed some telling insights. It showed that children raised in households with both biological parents displayed a better resilience to peer influence. In contrast, those from blended families or single-parent homes were more inclined to succumb to peer pressure. This underscores the vital role that family dynamics play in molding a child’s susceptibility to external influences.

Tips for Managing Peer Pressure as a Teen

The notion that “everybody’s doing it” isn’t as accurate as one might think, especially when it comes to teen drinking. According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), teenage binge drinking has seen a decline over recent years. Yet, even with this decline, around 14% of teens aged between 12 and 20 admitted to binge drinking in the past month. Binge drinking, which elevates a person’s blood alcohol concentration to 0.08 percent g/dL or more, can be especially hazardous. There are dedicated campaigns to educate parents, schools, and the general public about the potential dangers of teenage alcohol consumption.

Teens can also arm themselves with strategies to navigate the pressures they might face from their peers. Here are some practical tips for teens to stand their ground against alcohol-related peer pressure:

• Engage in Alcohol-Free Activities: Participate in activities that naturally deter alcohol use, like sports, hobby clubs, or community service projects.
• Blame It On The Folks: You can always use the classic “My parents will find out” or express concerns about facing consequences at home.
• Choose Like-minded Friends: Surround yourself with friends who either don’t drink or respect your choice not to – they’ll be less likely to pressure you.
• Challenge the Bravado: Recognize that people might exaggerate their drinking stories. It’s essential to understand that such tales can often be a mix of bravado and wishful thinking.
• Hold a Non-Alcoholic Drink: If you’re at a gathering where others are drinking, holding a soft drink or juice can deter people from offering you alcohol.
• Plan Your Responses: Have some ready responses for when you’re offered alcohol. Being prepared can help you handle such situations with grace and confidence.
• Open Conversations with Parents: Engage in open discussions with your parents about drinking and strategies for handling potentially tricky scenarios.
• Educate Yourself: Understanding the risks associated with underage drinking can fortify your resolve to stay sober. Seek out peers who share this perspective to build a supportive community.

Empower yourself with knowledge and strategies, and remember that saying ‘no’ to peer pressure showcases your strength and individuality.

Tips for Managing Peer Pressure as an Adult

Managing peer pressure as an adult involves a combination of self-awareness, assertiveness, boundary setting, and self-care. Here are some tips:

• Be Assertive in Your Responses: When faced with peer pressure, it’s important to be assertive and clear in your responses. This involves maintaining eye contact and saying “no” directly. You don’t always have to explain yourself, but if you choose to, make sure your reasons are clear and concise.
• Set Boundaries and Say No: Setting boundaries is crucial in managing peer pressure. This involves knowing your limits and being comfortable with saying no. If you’re uncomfortable with a situation or request, it’s okay to decline. Remember, you have the right to protect your own wellbeing.
• Have a Support System: Surrounding yourself with a supportive network of friends and acquaintances can greatly aid in dealing with adult peer pressure. Choose to spend time with people who lift you up, respect your decisions, and share your values and aspirations. They can provide the support and encouragement you need to resist peer pressure.
• Know Your Goals and Values: Having a clear understanding of your personal goals and values can help you make decisions that align with your best interests. When faced with peer pressure, refer back to these goals and values to guide your response. If a request or situation doesn’t align with your values, it’s okay to say no.
• Techniques for Self-Care and Stress Management: Managing peer pressure can be stressful. Therefore, it’s important to practice self-care and stress management techniques. This could include exercise, mindfulness meditation, deep breathing exercises, engaging in hobbies, or seeking emotional support from loved ones. These techniques can help you maintain your mental health and resilience in the face of peer pressure.

Your body often knows what’s best for you. Reflect on these questions and tune into how you physically feel. Do you experience a sense of ease or tension? If you’re grappling with a choice, take your time. Let your intuition guide you toward what genuinely resonates with your heart and soul. Remember, it’s okay to seek professional help if you’re finding it difficult to manage peer pressure. A counselor or therapist can provide you with additional strategies and support.

10 Ways to Say NO to Peer Pressure

Saying no to peer pressure can be challenging, but there are several strategies you can employ to resist it effectively:

1. Just say no: In some situations, simply saying no without a lot of arguing and explaining is the best response. Make sure your “no” is strong and determined.
2. Give a reason: Explain why you feel it’s a bad idea to engage in the activity or behavior being suggested. This could be because you know it will get you in trouble, or because you’ve seen the negative effects it has had on others.
3. Make a joke: Humor can be a great way to change the topic and the mood, taking the attention away from you.
4. Ignore the suggestion: If you’re uncomfortable with the pressure being applied, you can choose to ignore it.
5. Repeat yourself if necessary: If you’re asked over and over again, stick to your decision and don’t be talked into doing something you’re uncomfortable with.
6. Pay attention to how you feel: If something doesn’t feel right about a situation, it probably isn’t. Trust your instincts.
7. Plan ahead: Think about how you will respond in different situations. Plan what you can say or do to resist the pressure.
8. Assertive behavior: Stand up straight, make eye contact, and state your position clearly. Don’t make excuses, simply say how you feel about it.
9. Express gratitude for being asked: This can help to soften the refusal and show that you appreciate being considered, even if you’re not able to participate.
10. Take your time to make an informed decision: Don’t feel rushed into making a decision. Take the time you need to consider the implications and make a choice that aligns with your values.

Remember, it’s important to practice these strategies in safe environments so that you’re comfortable using them when you need to. If you’re still finding it difficult to resist peer pressure, consider seeking support from trusted friends, family members, or a counselor.

Always Stay True to Yourself

You shouldn’t let anyone dictate your actions. If you ever find yourself feeling pressured to drink in social settings, make sure you have someone you can reach out to for support. If things become too overwhelming, have an exit strategy. Remember, your choices are yours alone, and no one should have the power to sway them.

Cultivate connections with resilient and empowering individuals. Being around friends who stand their ground against peer pressure or choose to abstain from alcohol can bolster your own resolve. Such positive influences can be immensely beneficial in your journey.

If you or a loved one is struggling with addiction or mental health issues, Iris Wellness Group is here to help. We offer the following outpatient treatment programs in Chattanooga, TN: intensive outpatient program (IOP), adolescent IOP and partial hospitalization program (PHP) for any adult or adolescent who are struggling. Call us today at 423-564-6114.