Peer pressure is when someone is urging you to trying something new. You could have initially said no but that person is giving you all of the reasons why you should try it. Peer pressure can be used to experiment with drugs or alcohol in order to fit in but positive peer pressure can lead someone into recovery.
Whether you are at school or at work, people give into peer pressure when people tell them to loosen up and try this drug or this drink. You feel like if you say no, then people will think you are not cool and not want to be around you anymore. It can be words that appear to be harmless like “I have done drugs for years and I am fine” or “It is just one drink. You will be fine.” The truth is that we have no idea whether we will develop an addiction or not until we try that addictive substance. What could seem harmless at the time can turn into a long-term addiction. The problem with groups who drink or do drugs together is that they teach each other how to administer the drugs or alcohol and teach them where they can get access. The chances of anyone getting help when they are surrounded by a group of people who abuse substances is slim when there is no encouragement to get help.
Positive peer pressure can be a good thing with someone who is going through addiction. Going to 12 step meetings can let you see first-hand people whose lives have changed after going to recovery and how much better their lives are now. These recovering addicts can teach you where to go for counselling and what they do to prevent a relapse from occurring. By going to 12 step meetings, you are surrounded by those who are promoting healthy living.
In order to fight against negative peer pressure that is telling you to abuse substances, be around people who can be a positive influence to you and help you make the right decisions. Be confident in yourself and think of where you want to see yourself in the future. You know that substance abuse will destroy your life and the big plans you set out for yourself. By researching the negative effects of substance abuse, you will feel pressured not to experiment with them and make better life decisions.
Located in downtown Midland, The Springboard Center’s mission is to offer programs and services to treat alcohol and drug addiction treatment using an evidence based curriculum, 12 step programs, diet, nutrition, exercise, emotional, mental and spiritual development for a long recovery. For more information, please call us at 432-620-0255 as we are open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
