The Connection Between Peer Pressure and Substance Use

At Victory Recovery Partners, a network of addiction/recovery centers on Long Island, New York, we feel it is important to understand the root causes of addiction and substance use disorder. By doing so, we are able to more effectively treat our patients, allowing them to have a successful and long-lasting recovery. 

One of the contributing factors that can lead to substance use disorder in patients is peer pressure. Peer pressure can occur at any age, and it can bring about negative consequences that could lead to substance use. Often occurring between friends, or even family members, peer pressure is a contributing factor of addiction that should not be ignored.  

Often, the first signs of peer pressure may seem rather mild. For example, one of your friends may encourage you to drink more than you typically do – however, they mean no harm. The issue here is that this could turn into a repeated habit, leading to learn term issues such as alcohol addiction. It is common for addictions to start in an unintentional manner, such as consuming more alcoholic drinks in one night than you typically would. However, the same friend that encouraged you to drink may later on encourage you to try other substances, such as cocaine or heroin. 

The issue here is that peer pressure is exactly what it sounds like -- “pressure”. It is very hard for someone at any age to not give in to peer pressure. Keep in mind, this can occur at any age and frequently occurs during adulthood. Saying “no” to a friend when they try to encourage you to engage in substance use may be very hard for you to do. However, here are some key points to remember and consider when not giving in to peer pressure: 

1. It’s OK to say no. Your friends will still be your friends even if you don’t give in to their peer pressure. They may make jokes or even say something insulting. However, while that may be hard to handle at first, in the long-term you will be happier and healthier for turning away the peer pressure. 

2. Understand that your true friends will stay with you even if you turn away their requests for substance use. If your friends decide to no longer support or communicate with you simply because you turned away from peer pressure, then they aren’t your true friends. It is better to learn that now, rather than later on when the moment is more crucial. 

3. Consider the health benefits of abstaining from substance use. Your mind and body will thank you for not engaging in substance use, and you will feel better knowing you made the right decision for both your physical and mental health. 

We recognize that it may be difficult to say “no” to friends, especially when they mean no harm. However, keep in mind that a decision you make today, such as trying a new substance such as cocaine or heroin, can have long-lasting negative effects on your health. By considering how these decisions will impact you in the days, months, and years ahead, you will have an easier time saying “no” to peer pressure.  

Victory Recovery Partners, a network of seven addiction/recovery centers on Long Island, New York, provides total and complete care to our patients who suffer from substance use disorders and addictions. By providing all of our services under one roof, including behavioral health, wellness, psychiatric, and medication-assisted treatment, we can fully treat our patients, allowing for the greatest chances of a successful recovery. At Victory, “patients come first, everything else follows”. To learn more about Victory, please visit our website, www.victoryrp.com