Young people, alcohol and drugs

Peer groups are very important to young people.

They want to feel normal, to fit in and to belong with those of their own age.

However it’s important to know that:

• peer group pressure can be overstated 
• most young people decide to drink or take drugs without being pressured, forced or tricked
• when young people get information about alcohol and drugs from friends it is often not accurate.

Support your teen to have a number of friendship groups.

They will have a bigger network to connect with if one group starts drinking or using drugs.