Negative Peer Pressure

Go on." "Everybody's doing it." "It's only one drink." "You're such a

loser."

I didn't know what to do. All these voices were repeating themselves

over and over in my head. I didn't want to give into them because I

knew what I was doing was wrong. I didn't want everyone to think I was

scared but what if my parents found out. Why was I here? Are these

people really my friends if they are really doing this to me? These

were the vital questions that I didn't know the answers to. I knew in

my heart it was wrong but I gave in.

This is usually the typical outcome of a scene like this. It is called

peer pressure. It can be disguised in many different forms. In this

essay I am going to look at different ways in which teenagers can be

influenced by peer pressure.

Many teenagers experiment with cigarettes, drugs or alcohol. It is

likely that they take their first cigarette, drink or drug because of

pressure from peers or friends.

The influence of friends who smoke is the main reason teenagers start,

although you are also more likely to start if your parents do.

Cigarettes, like alcohol, are an acquired taste but over eight per

cent of people who smoke in their teens become permanently hooked.

Often adolescents drink to feel less uncomfortable and more relaxed

with friends and peers and because they are encouraged to do so by

other teenagers. Regular excessive drinking can lead to poor school

work, social and emotional problems, the use of other drugs and

sometimes even suicide,

The main difference between alcohol or cigarettes and other drugs is

that once you are over a certain age you can legally buy alcohol and

cigarett...

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...y develop other symptoms

such as headaches or stomachaches. Some sufferers feel short of energy

and want to sleep all the time; others will have difficulty in

sleeping and become very tired. Tiredness, lack of interest and

difficulty in concentrating can affect schoolwork. Depressed people

often lose interest in hobbies and activities and feel cut off from

the people around them. They feel worthless and believe they have no

power to change the situation they are in. some young people turn to

drug or alcohol abuse, sleeping around, crime, skipping school or

running away from home. These can all be ways of distracting

themselves from their feelings.

Depression has to be taken seriously and sufferers need to seek

immediate help. Counselling, psychotherapy or sometimes medication can

make recovery quicker and easier.