Most of us have encountered peer pressure in our lives before. Typically, peer pressure is a common experience, especially when we are young. During these instances, you may have been able to “say no,” or perhaps you didn’t (which is totally normal). However, just because we are older does not mean that peer pressure has gone away, especially in early recovery. The good news is that many tools can help you avoid peer pressure.
Understanding Peer Pressure
Peer pressure is much like it sounds. It is when those around us try to get us to do something that we are unsure about. It is often a constant prodding until you potentially “give in.”
The good news is that peer pressure can be resisted. In most circumstances, you are in control of your own body and your own choices. Still, it is also important to understand that often there are ulterior motives underlying peer pressure, such as getting someone to take some of the blame and shame away from the other person doing the pressuring.
Peer Pressure and Teens
Now, when it comes to peer pressure, it is perhaps most present in adolescence. According to the Journal of Research on Adolescence, “The rapid onset of a diverse array of maladaptive behaviors during the early years of adolescence occurs at the same time as important shifts in the social world, the most obvious being the increasing salience of peers. The sudden adoption of troublesome and troubling behaviors is conventionally attributed to peer influence. A firm foundation of longitudinal and experimental data has established the importance of peers during adolescence and tied peer influence to adolescent adjustment outcomes.”
This peer pressure can also be particularly dangerous because it comes at a time when the brain is still developing. According to the National Institute of Health (NIH), “Teens are especially responsive to peer influence. That’s because their brains undergo changes that make them highly attuned to social situations. At the same time, the reward system in the teen brain becomes extra sensitive.” However, this does not mean that adults are immune to peer pressure, especially those of us who are in recovery.
Peer Pressure in Early Recovery
Early recovery can be a particularly sensitive time. This is because everything often feels very raw and new. Many of us are now experiencing our lives sober after many years of continued drinking and/or using. This can leave us vulnerable to suggestions and peer pressure.
In recovery, the phrase “people, places, and things” is often used to highlight the three pillars of a potential relapse. This is because all of these areas can be “triggering.” For example, many people in your life may feel threatened by your sobriety. Often, this is because they feel that your sobriety threatens their addiction. Now, this is not their fault; it is just the nature of the disease.. While avoiding these people can be difficult, 12-Step recovery programs and other support systems can be very valuable to help you avoid peer pressure and sustain your sobriety.
Utilizing the Twelve Steps to Avoid Peer Pressure
12-Step recovery is all about the “we” rather than the “me.” It is a group program that is meant to be shared. In fact, the most pivotal tenet of 12-Step recovery is to stay sober and help another person struggling with addiction (which is embodied in the Twelfth Step).
12-Step recovery also discusses how working with others can help one avoid peer pressure and a potential relapse. The Big Book (the primary text of 12-Step recovery) states, “Practical experience shows that nothing will so much insure immunity from drinking [and using] as intensive work with other [people in recovery]. It works when other activities fail…You can help when no one else can.” In addition to 12-Step programs, many other recovery options can help you resist peer pressure in recovery.
Addiction Recovery Options to Help With Peer Pressure
Psychotherapies like cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) can help build the confidence that can help you say no. These therapies can also teach you the tools to set healthy boundaries.
There are also many holistic healing methods that can imbue you with serenity, and you stay calm when you are feeling peer pressure. This includes mindfulness meditation and yoga therapy. These holistic methods also offer many other benefits, like reduced depression, improved mental clarity, and connection to a Higher Power (if that is what you are searching for).
Long-Term Success at The Phoenix Recovery Center
Here at The Phoenix Recovery Center, we believe in long-term success over short-term “fixes.” This is why all of our plans focus on the future and offer tools for avoiding peer pressure.
Remember, while it is important to seek help, recovery is yours and yours alone. Don’t let anyone spoil it. You got this! We can help!
There are many effective strategies for saying no, maintaining your boundaries, and building confidence to resist peer pressure in social situations. The Twelve Steps are a great tool that can be used to help you say no to toxic situations. Many other modalities can help you build the confidence to say “no.” If you feel like you or a loved one is struggling with issues of addiction, mental illness, or both, we can help get you on the right road to recovery right away. You don’t have to go through this process alone. To begin your healing journey complete this short form or call The Phoenix Recovery Center at (801) 438-3185.
