Peer Pressure and Substance Abuse in California: Is There a Connection?

As social creatures, we are constantly in a state of communication with the rest of the world and equally suffer and have an impact on others. Often, the impact is not visible, and it can relate to various aspects of our lives, both positive and negative. When we talk about peer pressure, we mostly focus on the negative aspects of it. An important topic is the connection between peer pressure and substance abuse in California, especially at certain ages.

There is no doubt that peer pressure can lead to experimenting with substances and, with that, to substance use disorder (SUD). However, peers can also be supportive and significantly contribute to one’s recovery. We at Tranquility Luxury Rehab Los Angeles include various support groups in clients´ recovery in addition to evidence-based approaches and tailored treatments. 

Today, we would like to introduce you to the topic of the negative relationship between peer pressure and substance abuse and point out the skills one needs to resist it. Our role as professional guides in developing necessary skills and overcoming addiction is irreplaceable. Keep reading to find out how we can help you if you’re struggling with substance abuse.

The Scope of Substance Abuse in California

Much data is showing that drug use is not a problem to ignore in California. Although the average percentage of people developing addiction is around average for the US, multiple sources show California struggles with certain drugs specifically and that there are efforts to control certain drugs moving around the state. 

According to the National Drug Intelligence Center, the most frequent drugs used in California are methamphetamines, heroin, cocaine, and marijuana, but also other dangerous drugs, including LSD. News is showing that California continues to struggle to keep fentanyl out of communities and that there are continuous efforts to address the fentanyl crisis. However, at the same time, you can read about a new drug stronger than fentanyl finding its way to the market. 

What does the data show about how many people suffer from substance abuse in California?

The US Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that in 2022 alone, nearly 27 per 100,000 people died of drug overdose. The 2019 Substance Abuse and Mental Health Service Administration survey provides us with additional data on substance abuse in California:

• The annual average prevalence of marijuana use disorder in California was 2.1%, making it higher than the original and national average.
• The annual average prevalence of heroin use in California was 0.18%, similar to the regional average and lower than the national average.
• The annual average for pain reliever misuse was 3.8%, similar to the regional and national averages.
• Another drug marking similar values for California’s average, regional average, and national average is opioid use disorder, with 0.6%.
• Similar to the regional average but higher than the national average, the annual average prevalence of illicit drug use disorders marked 3.4%.

Overall, the annual average prevalence of substance use disorder in California was 8.3 in the period between 2017 and 2019, making it similar to the regional average but higher than the national average. Unfortunately, data also shows that the number of people seeking professional help for substance abuse decreased from 2015. 

These devastating numbers point out the necessity of addressing the drug abuse problem and all the factors contributing to it. Among other factors, it’s important to recognize the relationship between peer pressure and substance abuse to act and prevent the negative effects of social pressure to act a certain way.

Peer Pressure: A Hidden Catalyst

Beers become an important factor in overall development and behavior during adolescence. Some go as far as to say that it has a key role during this period and that adolescents need to do everything their peers do. This pressure continues throughout life, which is why we can read much research about peer pressure during college and the maladaptive behavior related to it. Some research about young adults goes as far as to state that peer pressure can cause an epidemic of ecstasy use. Even later in life, opinion norms and peers’ behaviors are important and impact our everyday behavior.

It’s important to note that peer pressure can be both positive and negative, direct and indirect. Positive, as the name would suggest, is related to positive behavior. For instance, there’s much peer pressure around sustainability today. Negative pressure, on the other hand, is related to undesirable behavior, typically risky behavior, and substance abuse. For many, experimenting with drugs starts from a desire to fit in. 

Both positive and negative peer pressure can be direct or indirect. Direct refers to a situation when you are explicitly asked to behave a certain way. You can be pressured to join a group of peers in drinking; otherwise, you wouldn’t be considered a member of the group. Indirect refers to invisible norms of behavior, which means nothing is directly asked of you, but you can observe that there are desirable ways to behave. Suppose everybody in the group is smoking; you would feel pressure to smoke as well, although nobody asked that of you. 

The Psychological Effects of Peer Pressure on Substance Use

You might wonder why people succumb to peer pressure even when they know it leads to problematic behaviors. The desire to fit in and belong is often stronger than the risk of following peers. The fear of rejection, which can easily happen with teenagers, also plays its part. There is always an overpowering emotional trigger, leading to saying yes to the things one does not want to do. As adolescents, we are more prone to falling under peer pressure, but this desire to be accepted does not go away with time.

What many fail to acknowledge when following peers into substance abuse are the long-term consequences they will endure. Experimenting with drugs will not necessarily lead to an addiction, but every addiction starts with drug experimenting. Additionally, drugs have a stronger physiological impact on teenagers as their brains are still developing. The negative impacts of substance abuse include brain damage that can lead to difficulties concentrating or making decisions in the future. 

Furthermore, the connection between peer pressure and substance abuse in California is often accompanied by mental health issues and distress. What stress often does is make you feel you’re not in control, making you follow others´ lead, including peer pressure to use substances. Experiencing mental health issues such as anxiety or depression would have a similar effect. Substance abuse is, unfortunately, often an unhealthy coping mechanism.

In conclusion, peer pressure and stress can lead to substance abuse, especially for those who lack the skills to resist these negative impacts.

Skills to Avoid Substance Abuse Amid Peer Pressure

Some skills are equally important for both resisting peer pressure and substance abuse. The following are the most important ones:

• Assertive communication. Being able to communicate assertively means that you can communicate your needs and boundaries without jeopardizing others or bringing them harm. Assertive communication is crucial for saying no to pressure exerted by peers. This skill is closely related to confidence, meaning people who feel confident are more likely to communicate assertively, as they can stand up for themselves.
• Boundary setting. This skill relates to determining what you are okay with and are not willing to do or say yes to. Boundaries need to be communicated, highlighting the importance of assertive communication. Furthermore, you have to honor your boundaries and insist on other people respecting them.
• Network building. Succumbing to peer pressure is most frequently related to fear of abandonment or lack of belonging. Having supportive people who accept you the way you are will empower you to set healthy boundaries and say no to peer pressure.

In addition to these skills, developing healthy coping mechanisms is important. They are generally important for dealing with stress and other challenges in life, but they also play a role in resisting substance abuse as a maladaptive coping mechanism. Sometimes, people can develop healthy coping mechanisms on their own by learning stress management techniques or adopting mindfulness. However, more complex coping mechanisms often need to be developed through the guidance of an expert. Professional programs like the inpatient detox San Fernando Valley can provide skill-building opportunities.

Why Professional Support Matters

Professional support is important for several reasons. For people who are struggling to resist peer pressure and find themselves leaning towards substance abuse, expert help can provide support through skill-building and healthy coping mechanism development. For those who unfortunately succumb to peer pressure and develop an addiction, professional facilities can offer structured programs that can help them overcome this challenge.

Tranquility residential treatment Los Angeles offers a safe and comfortable space to focus on your needs, thoughts, and emotions. Our facilities and professional staff can guide you through recovery and ensure you leave our center feeling empowered to reclaim your life completely. Our continuous support remains at your disposal, ensuring you never feel alone or abandoned.

Addressing Financial Concerns: Does Insurance Cover Rehab?

When considering getting professional help for addiction issues, many postpone the moment of reaching out to a facility because they are worried about financial strains related to rehab. Fortunately, today, some solutions can help you get on the recovery journey you need without breaking the bank. Many insurance companies offer various insurance plans that can cover your rehab fully or partially.

When trying to determine whether you’re particular insurance plan covers the services you need, you can use several methods:

• You can reach out to your insurance agent. You can find a contact number on your insurance policy. The reference number from your contract can help your agent check your insurance policy and give you precise information about what you can expect.
• Similarly, you can contact your insurance company’s customer service, which can take you through a similar process. However, they might need more time to give you feedback on your insurance plan.
• You can also check out the Tranquility webpage to get an answer to the question: Does insurance cover rehab? Tranquility Recovery Center is an in-network associate for many insurance companies, and you can check online if we accept your current insurance. 

Main Takeaway on Peer Pressure and Substance Abuse in California

If you are struggling with peer pressure and substance abuse in California, seek professional help. Professionals can help you learn how to resist the negative impact of others and develop skills that will serve you for a lifetime. Tranquility Recovery Center can assist you in overcoming addiction problems and empower you to address any potential future challenge. Contact us to learn about our programs and how we can tailor them to your needs, circumstances, and preferences.

 

 

Sources:

https://www.justice.gov/archive/ndic/pubs/653/overview.htm

https://www.gov.ca.gov/2024/11/19/californias-fentanyl-task-force-helps-seize-over-1-7-million-fentanyl-pills-in-october

https://www.samhsa.gov/data/sites/default/files/reports/rpt32821/California-BH-Barometer_Volume6.pdf

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32400279

https://dissertations.mak.ac.ug/handle/20.500.12281/16749