Peer pressure is a problem that most people face during some point in their lives. It is defined as influences from members of one’s peer group. It is a feeling that one must do the same things as other people in their social group in order to be liked or respected. For example, peer pressure could be your friends or classmates encouraging you to do well in school or to join a club. This is beneficial as it pushes you to do your best. However, it could be those same people pressuring you to do questionable things such as drink alcohol or do drugs. While this comes in many forms, good or bad, in many cases peer pressure is encouraging one to engage in dangerous activities such as drinking alcohol or doing drugs.  Doing what other people in similar age and friend groups are doing may seem like the only way to be accepted, but that is not always the case. In the event that “friends” are not accepting of one's decision not to do what they are pressured to do, they were never real friends to begin with.

#1 - Have a secret code with parents

     One strategy in dealing with peer pressure is to have a secret code of sorts to communicate with parents. Something that can be said over the phone or just as a text to your parents that lets them know you need out of a situation. Have them call or text that you need to be picked up.  Doing this makes it much less likely to be bullied or ridiculed for leaving an uncomfortable situation as they are unaware of the real reason you left. 

#2 - Give an excuse. 

     While it should be ok to simply say “no” without having an excuse or a reason, it may be easier to decline with a ready excuse. A few good reasons to say no to drugs or alcohol include telling of a medical issue such as asthma or allergies, or even just stating your parents are coming to pick you up.

#3 - Have Friends with similar values and beliefs. 

     This is arguably the most effective means to deal with peer pressure, as negative behavior is much less likely to be encouraged this way. Having friends with similar values and beliefs will usually result in extra motivation to do better, depending on one’s personal values. There is not much fear of a lack of acceptance, as values and beliefs are shared for the most part.

#4 - Pay attention to how you feel. 

     If something does not feel right about a situation, chances are, it is not. Even if your friends seem ok with what is going on, that does not mean it is right for you. Do not be afraid to remove yourself from the situation, and be wary of that same thing happening again.