Teen Drug Use and Peer Pressure

Teen drug use and peer pressure is the influence that children that are the same age, or near the same age, have on each other. Peer pressure can be both good and bad depending on what group of kids your child is in with, troubled teens that are involved with gang members and/or drugs and alcohol will create bad peer pressure, while well adjusted children with families that are involved in sports and other activities can be good.

The causes of teen drug use are numerous. However, several key areas can be pinpointed one of which being teen drug use and peer pressure. Drugs and alcohol kill the pain of ordinary life; they destroy the physical and emotional pain by changing the teen's perception on life. Drugs and alcohol make the drug user become numb to the pain, unhappiness, or hopelessness that is a part of their lives.

How does teen drug use and peer pressure effect your teen? Everyone wants to be liked and popular, if your child feels out of place or not accepted for whatever reason, they may give into teen drug use and peer pressure to fit in and have friends. Kids worry about what other kids think, even if they say they don't. They don't want to be the joke of the school having others make fun of them, so they give in and skip school, or they will be mean to someone for no real good reason. They may try that cigarette or sip of alcohol, just to have friends and fit in.

Teens, like adults, are influenced by their peer group. This is normal behavior and is modeled for them by the adults around them almost every minute of every day. We all conform to the social standards set by our peer groups and our teenagers see it. That said, teens will tend to follow their peers in behaviors that are not considered appropriate or where they will leave their common sense behind. Part of the reason is the 'newly found' importance of friendships, as teens are just getting used to their friends having any say in what they do. Then there is the "everyone is doing it" factor that can make a teen feel compelled to comply. Wrap that all up with the normal curiosity that often leads to the risk-taking behaviors of teenagers and you have a credible reason why teen drug use and peer pressure are common.

If you are a young adult experiencing teen drug use and peer pressure there are several things to consider. It is not good if friends put you under pressure or if you feel pressure to drink or use drugs. Drinking alcohol or using drugs is a choice, and it is your choice not to do it. Your friends should respect that. Friends who want the best for you will respect your opinion and what you do. If they don't, you should ask yourself if they are such good friends, and if you want to be/ stay friends with them. It is important to know the reasons why you don't want to drink or use drugs. It is also good to have knowledge about alcohol, for example, about the risks. Then you can clearly explain to others why you have come to this decision. If people insist, you can tell them a few things, for example:

I play sports, and alcohol is bad for my physical health.
I don't like it, I would rather have a soda.
I don't need alcohol to feel good and have fun.
I have to drive home.
I just enjoy things more when I'm sober.
I want to stay clear headed.
My evening is nicer without intoxication.

You can also try a joke or a white lie, like:

I can't stand it. I get sick.
It puts me in a bad mood.
I made a bet not to drink.

Be strong and have confidence in yourself and you can say no to things you know are wrong, things that can hurt you emotionally, physically, and even mentally. Follow what you know is the best thing to do, follow what is in your heart, not what someone else wants you to feel. They may have problems you know nothing about and could want others to join them in their pain.� Having a friend that you have a lot in common with, one that you can agree on the same things with, will help you to walk away from teen drug use and peer pressure. Just knowing you are not trying to do what's right all alone will help. If you get to know someone before you make them your best friend, it can save you a lot of trouble later, so choose your friends carefully.