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Drugs and Peer Pressure
Referral Service to
Private Treatment Centers in Canada
1 888-488-8434
Referral Service to
Private Treatment Centers in Canada
For a long time now, we have heard about drugs and peer pressure being responsible for many of today’s drug abuse cases entering drug rehabs. However, upon closer inspection, we see many facets to this assumption.
First off, when a parent or teacher states that peer pressure got John started on drugs, and Alex got started on drugs because he was friends with John, and Steve was a friend of Bryan who told John about a party he invited … and it goes on and on. So where exactly is the “pressure”?
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By definition, pressure is something forced upon or imposed on others. It is when a person is influenced by others (peers or friends) to act in a certain way. Most people would not normally put pressure on others.
These high school kids are all friends and know each other well. What if drug use and peer pressure were actually drugs and simply drugs? Surely, you will get the odd “coaxing” or “wanting to be part of the cool and fun crowd,” etc.
But actual pressure, not sure it really exists.
A group of teenagers or young adults are together and going out for a fun evening, whether along the beach or some outdoor show. It’s pretty obvious that not all of them are thinking in terms of “let go get high with drugs” or get drunk with alcohol. In fact, less than 2% of the group may have these thoughts or intent.
One person is more susceptible to substance abuse, mainly because this person has more personal issues to run or hide from. It could be family problems, school difficulties, social anxieties, or other personal issues. Drugs or alcohol became their solution to forget about their problems.
Often, individuals who are struggling with similar challenges can find themselves drawn together, creating a circle where substance use becomes a shared coping mechanism.
It can continue in a group as each person’s struggles feed into the group’s behaviours and attitudes. When someone with a more responsible or positive outlook steps in, they can counterbalance, challenging the group’s norms and potentially shifting the dynamics. This can create an opportunity for change by encouraging others to reconsider their choices or offering support for healthier coping strategies.
In other words, a positive influence can sometimes break the cycle, highlighting the importance of having diverse perspectives and support systems within any group. That one person saying NO can reverse 3 or 4 others around them. At this point, the group becomes divided. Now, the dealer knows the clientele he sells drugs to: it is those that share a coping mechanism with the dealer by use of mind-altering substances.
The question is not so much whether it is drugs and peer pressure, but more likely, is my son or daughter educated enough to know right from wrong? And do they have the life skills to face situations that might be difficult? These are parental issues, educational issues, and general social issues. Of course, a parent getting drunk in front of their children is not a good example of behaviour. And an adult being reasonable about substance use may not be the best example either.
The next time you’re faced with a decision of whether you should smoke a joint or sniff a line of coke because someone is offering it to you. Ask yourself this; “Am I an individual with a good sense of right and wrong, or am I a weak follower of destructive behaviour?” Your answer will determine your future. Will you be a well-respected member of society or a person with a drug addiction? The latter can eventually end up in need of drug rehab with no friends, family or hope to lean on.
If you need a drug rehab in Canada, we can help.