Tuesday 10-11-2020 - 13:01

Peer Pressure and Alcohol

Peer pressure with regard to the consumption of alcohol can come in various forms. This can range from “come out for a drink” when you do not wish to, to being caught up in buying rounds of drinks. Drinkaware conducted research focusing on this issue. They found that 37% of adults who drink, report drinking more than planned due to being caught in a round and that 34% drink more as they did not want to appear impolite by refusing a drink.  

There are different cultures that come to light through peer pressure and drinking alcohol. Two of the main forms are from your friends and workplace. The study conducted by Drinkaware showed that 60% of people who drink more than intended are pressured by friends. It also showed that in working adults 43% agree that there is too much pressure when socializing with co-workers and that men in particular feel pressured by their boss to drink (18% compared to 8%). Overall, they found that 57% would like there to be less pressure to drink and that 35% say that the pressure to drink is common in their age group – this rises to 60% in those aged 18-34!

Common Forms of Peer Pressure 

• Being in a 'round' with friends and feeling you need to keep up
• A friend pleading with you to stay for 'just one more'
• Being offered or handed a drink and not wanting to look impolite for saying no
• A friend or partner opening a bottle and pouring you a glass without asking you first
• A dinner or event where drinks are continuously 'topped up' without being requested
• Not wanting to be thought of as a 'bore' if you're in a group where everybody's drinking
• Having a ritual with a friend - like a regular drink after work, that you feel you can't break
• Being mocked or teased for not drinking on a night out
• Being ridiculed because you're not drinking a certain amount or drinking quickly enough
• Feeling isolated or left out of social circles if you choose not to drink

It is important that you know how to say no before you head out with you friends or work colleagues.  Explain to them that you are not drinking or are having a limited number of drinks. This can help curb pressure before the evening begins. If you find that you are being pressured to drink more, why not try having a 0% beverage? This could be this a soft drink or even a non-alcoholic version of a drink.

It is really important that you know your limits and don’t give into peer pressure. The consumption of alcohol can lead to a variety of different health issues. This ranges from alcohol dependency to liver damage and failure. In the short term, if you drink past your limits on a night out or even within your halls, there is the risk of being sick in your sleep, losing time and becoming more susceptible to different activities that you may not wish to engage in. Please take care of yourself and your friends and if someone says that they have had enough, respect their limits!

For more information on how to deal with peer pressure go to drinkaware.co.uk