Peer pressure – it’s not just for teens.

Have you considered the peer pressure for adults when it comes to alcohol? It’s disguised as happy hour after work, celebrating a big client deal with drinks, the mommy wine culture, and business networking events centred around cocktails. In fact, many family holiday celebrations often have a heavy focus on alcohol.

Alcohol is the most commonly used addictive substance and it’s not hard to see why. It is socially acceptable and even expected in many scenarios.

Millions of dollars are spent each year on advertising alcohol. These ads show people living the good life – at the beach, on a boat, or in the rugged mountains. Do these commercials work? Or is consumption impacted more by personal influence?

It seems that social drinkers are happiest when surrounded by others, so they will round up their coworkers for drinks or plan an evening out to loosen up. There is a “the more the merrier” mindset when it comes to social drinking.

Many will feel pressure when someone buys them a drink after they’ve said no, badgering them to have a drink, or subtle jokes if someone is not drinking. Many times, this results in people consuming alcohol to appease their friends or just feel like part of the group.

Whatever the reason, peer pressure does not go away after high school graduation!

Nancy Reagan encouraged us in the 80s to “just say no” and the same rings true today.

There are many reasons why someone would decline a beer or glass of wine, but the reason really doesn’t matter. No one should feel pressured to drink.

If you feel tension when it comes to alcohol, arm yourself with a plan.

1. Practice what you will say when you are offered a drink. Relying on a canned response can take the pressure off in the moment.
2. Offer to be a designated driver.
3. Commit to a healthy lifestyle. When you’re eating clean and exercising regularly, you will be more inclined to skip the alcoholic.
4. Avoid events where alcohol is at the centre.
5. Plan dry events and invite your friends. Try an escape room, hiking, or board games.
6. Choose your friends wisely. If want to avoid alcohol and the pressure to drink, spend your time with like-minded people.

Dry January, Sober October and One Year, No Beer are initiatives that promote alcohol-free living.

If you’re the one that is rounding up your coworkers for happy hour or encouraging others to “drink up”, hopefully this article will cause you to pause and reflect. Are you creating an inclusive environment for those who choose sobriety?

Are you drinking because you feel you must? We each have our own reasons for the decisions we make, and we don’t owe anyone an explanation.

Let’s normalize sober events and make room for everyone at the table.