Peer Pressure and Alcohol: How to Resist

Peer pressure has always been a significant problem in adolescence, of course - we're all aware of it from the moment our mother asks "And if they all jumped off a cliff, I suppose you'd jump too?" When it comes to alcohol, the pressure is much harder to deal with, both for the parents and the kids.

The most difficult aspect is that alcohol is the most readily available drug in our society and, unlike smoking, has not been pilloried by public opinion and reduced to the status of social pariah. Alcohol is everywhere. Adverts for it are everywhere. Adults who do not drink alcohol are comparatively rare. It's in virtually every film and TV show. No one publicists the damage it does - primary, secondary and tertiary effects are all gently swept under the carpet. So how can we help people who don't want to drink?

Being a non-drinker myself, I found (back when I was young and innocent) several ways to avoid the pressure without losing face. This is what it's all about: how can your kid say "no" without looking dumb, uncool (or whatever the current word is) in the eyes of the group? Here's a few ideas you could help them with:

You can always be the designated driver. If other people's lives are in your hands, you have a fine reason to avoid alcohol. Even the drunkest friend would have difficulty working round that one.

Make sure you pour your own drinks. That way no one spikes them. Most people won't even notice what's in your hand if you're happily chatting, dancing or doing other party stuff, especially if it could be mistaken for alcohol. Water looks very much like vodka...

Play the endurance card. "Hey, I'm going slow. I don't want to fall over and miss the best stuff later on, when you're all so drunk you can't stand up!" If of appropriate age, "making sure all the equipment functions" is also a good excuse.

Avoid being the centre of attention. That is, don't put yourself out on the edge of the party, but avoid being right in the middle. As things get drunker, the stupider members of the group will expect the central person to perform often ridiculous acts of alcohol swilling to prove their "(wo)manhood".

Find other non-drinkers. Having someone who is also not drunk to whom you can turn when the pressure starts can be a real help. Even if they're on the other side of the room and it's just a nod of the head: it's reassurance that you are entirely normal and that, in fact, it's the drunken lunatic in front of you who has a problem.

Most of all, I believe it's important for parents to make sure that their kids understand they have a right to choose. They have a right to say "no" and have the person who's pressuring them look stupid for being so darned drunk.