Peer pressure link to drug addiction highlighted

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by Change | 12 Oct 2009

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New research has revealed the important role that peer pressure can play in a person suffering from a drug addiction, as they feel forced into indulging in drug abuse to gain the respect of their friends.

A new study has warned of the important role that peer pressure can play in the development of a drug addiction among young people.

Research carried out by the National Drug Agency in Malaysia has revealed that peer pressure and influence from friends are among the main factors in a person experimenting with drugs in the first place, before later requiring addiction treatment to deal with a major problem.

The study polled 26,841 drug addicts between 2007 and 2008 and discovered that 55 per cent admitted that they were originally introduced to drugs by friends, only later becoming addicted to the substance.

Meanwhile, 35 per cent said that they had ended up needing drug addiction treatment after experimenting with substances for fun and out of curiosity.

rehab clinics often find that people who suffer from drug addictions also have a range of underlying factors that have contributed to their addiction, such as pressures at work or within their family life.

However, this study highlights that for many, their first experiences with drugs have come as a result of friends and peer pressure, suggesting that other pressures could result in them turning to drugs they have already encountered with friends as a way of escaping their problems.

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