Adolescents drinking to conform with peers and friends.
Research on adolescent development has suggested that peer influence may play a major role in the willingness to drink. Alcohol consumption continues to be an issue in many countries around the world. It is also associated with other unhealthy behaviours such as drug use, and irresponsible sexual encounters. Risky drinking can also lead to a serious car accident where innocent lives could be lost.
If you cause a fatal accident by driving under the influence, it is something which may haunt you for the rest of your life. This can happen to adolescents as well as adults who indulge in risky drinking.
Resisting peer pressure.
A person may be more vulnerable to peer pressure, if peer pressure is an important factor to them. Not only do your friends encourage you to drink, they are often unhappy if you refuse alcohol. Research on the negative reactions to peers, or friends, turning down alcoholic drinks has been recorded in countries all over the world including USA, New Zealand, UK, Japan, parts of Africa, and Finland. The consensus is that if peer pressure approval is important to you, refusing alcohol - is not a popular decision to make.
There is also a perception that acceptance that using alcohol or drugs must be accepted by you, is an indirect form of peer pressure, which makes it even more difficult for you to refuse. You may be tempted to drink in social situations, especially if you see others, like your peers and friends, drinking more than usual. Your friends may even seem to be having a good time as a result of the alcohol consumption. You could feel that you are missing out on the fun.
Resisting will not be easy, and to avoid feelings of rejection coming your way, you may have to create a plausible cover story for refusing. Here are some excuses you can use:
· Sorry, but I am driving, and promised my passengers that I would not drink.
· I am on antibiotics and alcohol is strongly forbidden.
· I have a big game tomorrow, and if I drink, I will not be at my best.
· I have sinus problems at the moment, and alcohol reacts badly with antihistamine meds.
Reassure your friends that you are still having a good time, and thank them for understanding.
How peer pressure can negatively affect you.
People should not be pressured to drink alcohol against their own wishes or judgement. Giving in to temptation, and allowing others to make decisions for you, can endanger your originality. Studies have shown that it also affects your self-esteem, confidence, happiness, and very often your physical and mental health. Family members and true friends might be estranged because of your wishy-washy behaviour patterns. You could also lose any trust they may have in you.
What to do if you are struggling to resist peer pressure.
Research by mental health experts suggests that creating a new mindset, and eliminating old ideas of “fitting in” with the help of a competent therapist, is a recommended path to follow.
You will also learn how to say no without offending anyone, take back your life, and restore your personal originality.