Just Once? How Peer Pressure Contributes to Addictive Behaviors Among Teens

“Just try it once,” “Once won’t hurt”, and “Just once and then no more,” are you familiar with such statements? Whether we’re still going through our adolescent years or have been there, we all have at least heard such seemingly harmless statements.

During younger years, not many are able to recognize the full implications of these words. Such statements are often used to minimize the perceived risk of trying something new but also dangerous.

Teens use such ‘peer pressure’ tactics to get their friends to give in despite concerns about negative outcomes. In this article, we will see why ‘just once’ is a deception. Read on to understand peer pressure’s contribution to addictive behaviors.

Types of Common Peer Pressure Among Teens

By its definition, peer pressure refers to being influenced by one’s peers or social circle to act in a certain way. Given the world we live in, this is often spoken in a negative sense.

However, peer pressure is still a broad term. There are many types of peer pressure, including the following –

• Direct peer pressure happens when someone asks a friend to do something directly.
• Indirect peer pressure happens when one is subtly influenced to do something.
• Spoken peer pressure occurs when someone directly and verbally asks someone to do something.
• Unspoken peer pressure is when someone gets influenced by others’ behaviors to do something.
• Negative peer pressure happens when someone is being persuaded to do something they don’t want to do.
• Positive peer pressure is about encouraging someone to do something good.

What Kind of Addictive Behaviors Can Peer Pressure Land Teens Into?

Let’s look at the common form of addictive behaviors teens display due to peer pressure. These may be direct or indirect, spoken or unspoken, but always negative.

Substance Abuse

According to WebMD, substance abuse is when alcohol, tobacco, drugs, or any other form of legal and illegal substances are consumed excessively. Teens often like to experiment with new things and appear cool or more mature than they are.

When one or two start abusing an illicit substance out of curiosity, they pressure others to join. Many follow the trend in an attempt to fit in. Let’s take the example of one state that was a hub of youth e-cigarette use, Colorado.

It appears that a combined community response has brought some relief. However, officers particularly across Colorado Springs have expressed their concerns regarding ‘discreet’ vaping devices.

It’s almost as if teens are jumping from one addiction to another. Just about all vaping products contain the highly addictive drug, Nicotine.

There can be a number of negative consequences. Teens who vape regularly are at risk of addiction and lung issues. Moreover, they become a threat to others around them.

For instance, Nicotine has a half-life of about two hours. An addiction means the substance can stay in the body longer. In the meanwhile, if the teen gets behind the wheel, there is a high risk of an accident, translating into a bigger concern.

Colorado Springs has many dangerous roads, especially the intersections around I-25. They only increase the risk further. If an accident occurs, it may lead to severe injuries and a Colorado Springs personal injury lawyer may have to intervene on the victim’s behalf. If a youngster driving under the influence causes the crash, that’s bad news for them.

According to the Springs Law Group, the victim can be compensated for medical expenses, lost income, and emotional trauma. However, that’s just one side of the coin.

The teen needs help to avoid a similar situation in the future. The last thing a parent wants is for their teen to be severely ill due to tobacco and still crave it.

Internet Overuse

The current generation has been rightfully called the ‘social media generation.’ Younger Gen-Z has not known life outside of the internet and social media platforms.

In a Pew Research Center study, 46% of US surveyed teenagers admitted to being on the internet constantly. Some of the most widely used platforms are YouTube, TikTok, Snapchat, and Instagram.

Now, when one teen looks at the others in their group as being perpetually online, they may feel tempted to do so. Some cannot give up their practice of playing online games.

Even after realizing the negative consequences, many continue for reasons like validation, fear, and social comparison. Many parents have had to file a lawsuit against social media companies due to injuries like depression, anxiety, body dysmorphia, etc.

How Teens Can Handle Peer Pressure

Though parents are responsible for their teens, it is the adolescent who must set clear boundaries. Parents cannot monitor their teens at all times, especially in their social circles. The following ways can help teens navigate the dangerous maze of peer pressure.

Choosing Friends Wisely

Friendships during adolescence can be a tricky business. Emotions are usually a bit out of control during this time and teens tend to search for a place to belong.

If they lack the social skills needed to discern healthy friendships, it becomes easy to fall prey to the wrong circle. Parents need to have an open talk to share their feelings and concerns.

If any toxic friendships are detected, the same should be discouraged whilst encouraging healthier interactions. It’s alright to stay on good terms with everybody but only a few should be allowed within the inner circle.

Practicing the Art of Saying No

One word that often seems elusive during teenage years is ‘No.’ Even adults may struggle to understand that this word in itself is a complete statement. There is no need for excessive explanation or people-pleasing.

Teens may fear being left out or made fun of, which is why they tend to give in. It’s important to stick to one’s values, decide beforehand if something is unacceptable, and then refuse to do the wrong thing. A good practice is to walk away from the scene to prevent being dissuaded from one’s stand.

Sometimes, it may do good to explain why it’s a bad idea, use humor to change the topic or offer an excuse. If the situation seems to be getting out of hand, the only effective solution is to leave the scene.

Developing Assertive Communication Skills

Some teens become too passive and do not say anything to their peers. They simply go along with whatever is being told. Others become too aggressive and end up getting into their friends’ bad books.

Both these approaches are incorrect and do more harm than good. It is important to learn assertive communication skills to ward off negative peer pressure.

This includes stating one’s boundaries clearly, irrespective of others’ perspectives. Assertive communicators are not vague or evasive. They express their needs clearly and do not allow others to walk all over them.

This communication style also enhances one’s self-esteem. It reduces conflicts, respects others’ opinions, and does not compromise on personal boundaries.

Forbes talks about the enormous pressures that teens face regarding mental health. American teens are not only under immense peer pressure but also external pressures from their families and social media.

Teens must stay prepared because peer pressure will inevitably come. However, they must practice discretion and refuse to give up their values.