Peer pressure occurs when individuals feel compelled by a group of peers to behave in specific ways, adopt particular styles, express certain attitudes, or engage in specific activities.
While people can experience peer pressure at any age, it is most commonly encountered during adolescence and young adulthood. As teens seek greater independence, their peers often play a larger role in their lives, exposing them to situations where peer influence may be difficult to resist.
Studies indicate that teens and young adults are significantly impacted by their peers’ behaviors and opinions across various scenarios. In this article, we’ll examine the effects of peer pressure on drug use and substance abuse.
Peer Pressure and the Teenage Brain
Teenagers, especially younger teens, are highly vulnerable to peer pressure. But what makes them so susceptible? The answer lies within their brain development.
Research has shown that teens aged 12 to 16 engage in twice as much risky behavior when in the presence of peers, while college undergraduates show a 50% increase in risk-taking. Interestingly, in this study, peer pressure had no measurable effect on the participating adults.
This heightened susceptibility is largely due to the adolescent brain’s prefrontal cortex, which is undergoing rapid development but is not yet fully matured. While ongoing research suggests additional genetic and familial factors may also play a role, much remains to be explored.
Peer Pressure Examples
In a recent survey, 90% of teenagers reported experiencing peer pressure, with almost half admitting to being mean to someone after observing a friend doing the same. Additionally, 28% shared that their social standing improved after giving in to peer pressure.
Individuals encounter various types of peer pressure.
Positive Peer Pressure
Not all peer pressure leads to negative behavior. Examples of positive peer influence include:
- A close friend stays productive and reaches impressive goals by using to-do lists, inspiring you to make lists and set your own goals.
- Seeing friends prioritize healthy eating and exercise motivates you to adopt similar habits.
- Your friend group chooses to remain sober, which encourages you to abstain from drugs and alcohol as well.
Negative Peer Pressure
Peer pressure is often associated with negative outcomes. Examples of negative peer pressure include:
- Coworkers tease someone for packing lunch, which influences you to spend money on takeout even when it’s financially unwise.
- Friends misuse prescription drugs, which leads you to take some from home to join in.
- Classmates skip school, which pressures you to do the same to avoid being the only one attending.
The Impact of Peer Pressure
Peer pressure significantly influences the decisions made by teens and others, with these external factors having both positive and negative effects.
Taking Risks
A study by the National Institute on Drug Abuse explored the impact of peer pressure on risk-taking behavior. Researchers observed the brain activity of teens during the study and discovered that teens were more likely to take risks when they knew two or more of their friends were watching.
The research revealed that the reward center of the brain was activated simply by the presence of friends, making teens more likely to engage in risky behavior. Taking risks triggers a dopamine release, which creates a feeling of pleasure in the moment.
Dangerous Decisions Involving Drugs, Alcohol, and Other Substances
When young people are surrounded by friends who are using drugs or alcohol, they may feel more inclined to join in simply because their peers are involved.
Teens have reported that the more friends they have who use substances, the more likely they are to follow suit. The desire to fit in often makes it difficult to say no to drugs or alcohol, as refusing can lead to feelings of exclusion. This pressure is heightened when teens see their friends partying and using substances on social media, which may increase their temptation to participate.
Alcohol abuse is particularly common among young people, with 72% of students reporting alcohol consumption. Two-thirds of high school sophomores admit to alcohol misuse, with many attributing their behavior to peer pressure.
According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), 30% of teens face pressure to use drugs during middle or high school. The Monitoring the Future Survey found that teens are more likely to use drugs or drink alcohol if their friends do, and in turn, they are more likely to encourage others to join in.
The use of drugs and alcohol leads teens and young adults to engage in risky behaviors with potentially severe consequences, including:
- Accidents
- Addiction
- Alcohol poisoning
- Asphyxiation
- Death
- Driving under the influence
- Overdose
- Sexually transmitted diseases
Positive Peer Pressure & Recovery
While peer pressure often leads to negative outcomes, it can also play a powerful and positive role in the recovery process from drugs and alcohol.
Teens, in particular, are more likely to make decisions based on the presence of their peers. Knowing that their friends in recovery are observing their actions can encourage them to stay committed to the recovery journey. Having supportive friends who are also in recovery can be a strong motivator to remain sober and focused on healing.
What Comes Next
If you or a loved one has been influenced to start using drugs or alcohol and are seeking a path to recovery, Sunrise Recovery in Clarksville Indiana is here to help.
We offer the expertise, resources, and a range of programs to overcome addiction and begin the journey toward a healthier, more fulfilling life.
Contact us today at +1 (877) 978 – 6747 to learn more about your options. We’re here to support you every step of the way.
