Peer Pressure in the Adult World: Saying “No” to Co-Workers and Friends
Peer Pressure in the Adult World: Saying “No” to Co-Workers and Friends
“Peer pressure” is a term most people associate with teens and young adults. In reality, peer pressure exists throughout your entire life.
Peer pressure can be a particularly hard struggle for those in their early- and middle-career years. Many adult professionals feel pressured to drink at social work functions, holiday parties, and business meetings. They also may feel pressured to drink when going out with their adult friends to a bar or even brunch. This, of course, can lead to disastrous results for someone suffering from a substance use disorder.
But what can you do in these situations? And how do you handle adult peer pressure?
Below is more information about peer pressure in the adult world and how you can say “no” to your co-workers and friends without causing any issues with your business or personal relationships.
Personal Setting
Peer pressure in a personal setting is common for many that are looking to stop drinking. Often, they are afraid of being judged or not having a good time with their friends that are drinking. You can still have a great time without drinking, though…especially with the right friends.
If you feel comfortable, let your friends know you are taking a break from drinking or stopping altogether. Your close friends should understand and respect this. If someone won’t stop pressuring you even when you tell them to stop, they aren’t a good friend, and you should consider cutting ties with that person.
If you are unable to be around drinking, you may need to take a break from going out when you know your friends will be drinking. Consider asking them to partake in some activities that don’t revolve around drinking. You’d be surprised how many people are willing to accommodate this request.
By surrounding yourself with people that support your decision to stop drinking and avoiding those that won’t stop bothering you to drink, you’ll have a much easier time socializing and going out without feeling pressured.
Business Setting
Unlike with your personal life, in a business setting it can be particularly difficult to simply walk away and distance yourself. There is a polite way to handle these situations, though.
If you are going to a business meeting and you are asked if you would like a drink at the meeting, simply let your boss or whomever you are meeting with know that you would prefer not to drink. If they press, you may say that you don’t drink during meetings, or you may reiterate that you aren’t interested in having any drinks. You can be firm while still being polite. They should respect this and may even choose not to drink as well.
If you have a client or co-worker that bothers you about drinking whenever you meet with them, let your boss know that you aren’t comfortable meeting in that setting. Professionalism in the workplace should be respected, and you should never feel the need to drink in order to close a sale, maintain a business relationship, or meet with a co-worker about business.
If you know your holiday parties get wild, avoid them. Make other plans, or simply let your co-workers know you’ll be staying in that night. You’d be surprised how easy it is, as most people are simply focused on themselves and enjoying their night—with or without you.
Don’t put up with pressure in the workplace. That is not the right environment for peer pressure to use drugs or drink. If this is the case, make sure you bring it up with the person pressuring you, then your boss. Be firm and let them know this is affecting your work environment in a negative way. Most higher-ups will understand this is a serious issue and will take it seriously.
Having Trouble Saying “No”?
It can be extremely difficult to say, “No,” when offered drinks—especially in settings in which everyone around you is drinking. If you find that you are unable to turn down drinks and it is causing problems with your health, career, and/or personal life, reach out to Front Door Health for support.
Front Door Health provides judgment-free in-home treatment for patients when they need it. We take an evidence-based approach to treatment, and we create custom treatment plans for our patients to increase their chances of success. Our treatment process is client-focused and individualized. This means no group sessions with strangers and no “treatment as usual” approach. You are unique and the treatment plan we create for you is designed to meet you where you are along your journey and help you to reach your recovery goals.
We understand that it can be difficult to put your life on hold and take time off work. Our in-home treatment allows you to continue to meet your work, school, family, and other obligations while receiving the treatment you deserve.
If you would like to learn more about in-home treatment, contact Front Door Health today. We’re happy to answer any questions and provide you with the help you need.
info@frontdoorhealthcenter.com
