Peer Pressure to use Drugs

Peer Pressure to use Drugs

Think about the ways advertisers try to get you to buy and use their product. First, they repeat the name of their product over and over. Second, they tell you that their product will produce good feelings, happiness and joy. Third, their product is associated with successful, handsome or beautiful people. Finally, advertisers try to convince you that many other people are buying thei product.

These same techniques are used to persuade you to use drugs. Consider these examples, “Come on, everyone’s doing it.” “It’s fun, it’s like you’re floating.” “Here, just have a sip .. or a drag.” Do you see how peer pressure works?

Here are some practical ways to deal with this pressure to use drugs:

1 - Say no and keep saying no. “No thanks, I’m not into it.”

2 – Mention the side effects. “Do you know what that does to your brain?”

3 – Give the user a challenge. “What’s the matter, can’t you have a good time without it?

4 – Be ready with a good excuse. “Hey, my parents would kill me if they found out.” “ Sorry I want to stay in shape.”

Remember, you can always walk away from the situation. However, the best way to reduce peer pressure to use drugs is to choose friends who are drug- free. You can choose friends and activities that are healthy. There are many ways to share the experience of adventure with friends.