Peer Pressure and Drug and Alcohol use What

Peer Pressure and Drug and Alcohol use

What is Peer Pressure? Peer pressure is the influence of others to encourage the individual to conform to norms and values of that group. Peer Pressure can be both positive and negative. Sometimes described as “fitting in” and not “left out” Can also mean to “Assert control over others”.

Why do people give in to peer pressure Worried will not fit in with the group Might be made fun of by others Curious what all the fuss is about, regarding drug and alcohol use. Lack self-confidence Lack assertiveness skills. What others can you as a group think of?

Examples of Negative Peer Pressure to try drugs, alcohol or cigarettes Pressure to have sex, either by a partner or friends Pressure to engage in risky behaviour online or via social media Pressure to dress or act in a certain way that doesn't feel comfortable Pressure to not be friends with certain people or to ignore or not include certain people in social situations.

Control/Coercion Others can take control – bringing alcohol or/and drugs to the party. You can give up control, not knowing your limits. Not taking responsibility for your actions – drinking strong alcohol or thinking you are smoking cannabis and turns out to be something else much stronger and you lose control of making clear decisions

Examples of positive Peer pressure Encouragement to stop smoking Pressure to stop any illegal activity such as underage drinking or drug taking Friends supporting you to stop any activity that might be damaging your health or well being such as bad eating habits or unhealthy relationships Encouraging you to try new things that are of interest to you

Handling Negative Peer Pressure Having a direct conversation with the person or people who you feel are pressuring you is another way to stop peer pressure. Becoming Assertive not aggressive. Sometimes humour is a good strategy. Seeking support. Getting help from others, whether they be friends, family or a teacher.

Tips to becoming more assertive Say No and Mean No – Be aware of your body Language. Adding Emphasis – reinforce No with absolutely, never or no way. Practise saying No in the mirror Out stretch your arms when saying No, direct eye contact (briefly)

Continued Excuse yourself- State I have somewhere else to be, family member just text messaged me I need to be home. Reversing the pressure – Why is this activity so important to you, why does a person have to drink or use drugs to have fun?

What Next!! Discuss scenarios in small groups. What could happen? How could this be turned into a safe situation? Chelsea is offered two pink tablets by her best mate when she tells her she has a headache – what should she do ? Liam has had a few drinks and feels a little drunk. He is invited to a house party. When he gets there he only knows a couple of people there – what should he do? Kathryn is a little drunk and its raining. A car stops and the person driving insists she and her friend get in. Her friend really wants to as she is wet and cold- what should Kathryn do?