The pressure around drug usage continues to be a problem on campus as they become more accessible and normalized among teenagers who are influenced to try drugs due to the pressure of being “cool” and fitting in with those around them. With more appealing marketing trends from distributors and increased accessibility to drugs like wax pens and vapes, students are likely to give in to peer pressure.
Peer pressure is a significant factor in drug use amongst adolescents. Teenagers see friends or family using drugs, which may influence them to do the same. Teensavers, a program aiding in adolescent substance abuse, says that 70% of teenagers who smoke began smoking because of peer pressure.
According to the website Why Teens Are More Susceptible to Drug Addiction, some teenagers try a drug for the first time, thinking they will only try it once, but soon they develop an addiction. Consequently, due to the misleading drug industry minimizing the apparent harm drug use can have by romanticizing their use for comfort, some consumers aren’t aware of the effects and dangers resulting from the use of drugs.
The pressures surrounding drugs continue to be a sensitive topic for teenagers as drug overdoses become frequent, according to the American Medical Association there has been about 101,000 drug overdoses this year (although drug overdoses have declined since last year). This number shows that over 100,00 people have passed away when dealing with this disease.
Drugs overall create complications with one’s mental and physical health. Cannabis, a popular but damaging gateway drug is commonly used among campus, as it is easily accessible through social media.
“I’ve seen it a lot, especially around campus, it’s really bad,” said sophomore Divine Lane.
Teens may easily get their hands on drugs with social media platforms such as Instagram and Snapchat. It is easy for teens to obtain drugs since “plug” accounts on social media platforms claim to deliver and sell drugs, and seek out teenagers as potential buyers. They may even follow teeangers social media accounts first to promote their product. Cannabis and Teens, a website that provides information about drug use, informs that Cannabis is linked to depression and social anxiety. Lane shared her experience when pressured to try drugs, but she stood her ground and turned them down.
“I was at a party, it was like a sleepover with a whole bunch of people and everyone was getting high and doing all that stuff, but I said no because it’s not my character and I don’t choose to do it…yeah they made fun of me for it, but I don’t care,” said Lane.
Despite the percentage of teenagers who consume drugs, there are some who resist temptation. This may stem from the influence of their friends or the values introduced during their upbringing. To give an example, a teenager’s parents may prevent them from doing drugs by warning them about addiction and the health risks linked to them. Factors such as personal preference and varying family influence also have a direct impact on one’s perspective on drugs.
Sophomore Dyani Love is one of the teenagers who has not yet felt pressured or tempted to do drugs. Love highlights the importance of having confidence and knowing who you are when saying no to drugs.
“I feel like I have a good head on my shoulders not to be pressured by other people to do certain things,” said Love.
Sports also contribute to the choices students make about the consumption of drugs. Student athletes may be reluctant to take drugs because of the possibility of being drug tested. Stimulants tamper with the performance of an athlete when under the influence which is why many are further careful and divert from any type of substance.
Due to her participation in the school volleyball team, Love does not want drugs to interfere with her athletic performance. She is clear on her decision on saying no as she understands the dangers of peer pressure.
“I think one time we got tested for drugs, so I wouldn’t want that to get in the way of what I’m doing because I know I am hard working and driven. I don’t need that getting in the way or messing with my head,” said Love.
