Peer Pressure and Addiction
Peer pressure was once a commonly accepted but unstudied scientific motivating force for some behaviours. The subject is being investigated to learn more about how peer pressure affects choices and habits. Results from numerous studies support the notion that peer pressure can persuade individuals to undertake or engage in behaviour they ordinarily wouldn’t. Peer pressure influences people to change their behaviour, whether it is through drug usage or physical activity.
Peer pressure to use drugs and alcohol has the potential to cause addiction and be a factor in substance use disorders.
The Concept
Peer pressure is examined by social scientists from the perspective of “Social Learning Theory.” This theory outlines all the ways that people can learn from one another. A student starts to learn about this new behaviour when they hang out with friends and watch them drinking through a number of the mechanisms described in this hypothesis.
What are The Different Types of Peer Pressure
Peer pressure can manifest itself in more ways than one-
Environmental Norms
A person may feel compelled to follow what their peer group considers to be “normal.” If everyone smokes, for instance, a person could feel excluded when their buddies all go outside to smoke. Because of this, people might follow suit even if their peers actively or even passively dissuade them against smoking.
Direct Pressure
Peers can persuade someone to do something by threatening them, assuring them how much fun it will be, or making suggestions that they might not have thought of on their own.
Indirect Pressure
Peers can indirectly affect a person’s conduct by applying indirect pressure. For instance, numerous studies have revealed that teenagers are more likely to befriend individuals who engage in similar behaviours, such as smoking.
Fighting Off Peer Pressure
In order to combat peer pressure, a person may:
Selecting peers who share their beliefs and values
When friends abstain from drugs and alcohol, people are more likely to feel positive peer pressure and less negative peer pressure.
Practicing saying no to peers.
A person can use any justification they feel comfortable with, whether it entails being truthful or inventing an excuse.
Using a buddy system
Using a buddy system can help you resist peer pressure in a group situation if you have at least one peer who abstains from the behaviour.
Utilizing the influence of supportive peers
Individuals with a history of substance addiction can get guidance and assistance through support groups, such as free 12-step programmes.
Seeking therapy for specific difficulties
People who frequently deal with challenging familial conditions, alienation and rejection sentiments, or rejection sensitivity may discover that learning to handle these issues makes it simpler to resist peer pressure.
It can be beneficial to keep in mind that one is not required to do everything their peers do.
Talking to your Kids About Peer Pressure
Most people crave acceptance, particularly when they are young. Peer rejection may be quite hurtful, and someone who finds rejection intolerable may find it very challenging to resist using drugs and alcohol if their peers do the same. Finding peers who either don’t use drugs or alcohol or accept those who don’t is crucial for this reason.
Peer pressure may be both good and bad, as some people may put pressure on others to abstain from using alcohol and drugs for recreational purposes. Many people believe that peer pressure can have harmful consequences, like encouraging someone to smoke. It’s crucial to remember that peer pressure can occasionally be constructive. For instance, a person’s friends might advise them against using drugs.
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