Why do I feel like the only way to fit in is to do drugs or drink alcohol?

Because the majority of people in this world don't want to grow up and take responsibility for themselves, and find some way to escape from who they are or what they feel. Drugs and alcohol are not about having fun, even though it might look that way. It's about neglecting ones real needs. If you are lucky enough not to want to drink or drug yourself, then be proud of it and find others who also are free from that, even if it is only a few people.

peer pressure may make you feel that way. also hearing that drugs and alcohol will help you to loosen up so that you can have a better time may make you think they are the answer, but they arent. true friends will love you for who you are, not for drugs and alcohol! stay true to yourself!

Sadly, our generation has created this image that we must be a certain type of way or do certain things in order to be socially excepted. This just isn't true. We each have to make the decision as to who we want to be and how we are going to do that. While others may use drugs or drink alcohol on a regular basis, we have to remember all the negative side effects to this "lifestyle" and think about if it's really worth it or not. The easiest thing to do is to try and find people who have the same interests and that way the focus will change and you won't feel so pressured to fit in only by these means, give yourself the healthy alternative.

Most of the youth do feel as if it is cool, or great to do drugs or drink. There are always percussions that some with drugs and alcohol.

I feel like it's the only way to fit in when you feel like the only one who isn't doing it. When all your friends are doing it around you and talking about it, it's hard not to join in so you can be part of the "fun".

Maybe because of peer pressure,a sense of wanting to fit in and belong or wanting to belong to an in crowd.it could also be due to wanting more friends or wanting to be popular or being afraid to say No.

if other people around you are drinking or doing drugs, it’s very likely for someone to fall into that trap. Peer pressure can be a tremendous force causing someone to try things they would normally not try on their own.

You are scared that your real self would not fit in the society. You might be doing it to cover your insecurity.

This could be possibly because of the environment you're surrounded in. You could easily feel like an outcast when majority are engaging in such a behaviour BUT you do not have to follow them. Stand up for whom you are and do what you think is right. Take care

Peer pressure to make poor choices. The kids who start abusing alcohol at early ages will feel the effects later in life. Personally I'd rather have no friends but functioning brain cells at age 35 than be popular but addicted to drugs

Because you have the natural urge to belong somewhere. The question is, what you look for in fitting in? Is it comfort, safety, acceptance or intimacy? Those are all very natural feelings and people that experience them usually don't need to use drugs as a tool to get those feelings. Perhaps learn from people around you that don't need to do drugs to feel that way. Study them, or ask them directly, or hang around with them for a change too. Perhaps your need to fit in is natural, perhaps you just don't know about other ways to fit in without sacrificing your health or integrity...

I have found it's easier to fit in with the more simple minded people who participate in these things.

A lot of times, people think that doing drugs or drinking alcohol will make them fit in, but It is not the only way. Even if you have friends who drink or do drugs, you do not have to. You have a choice on whether or not you want to do that to yourself and your body. If people are pressuring you to do drugs and drink alcohol, then maybe they might not be the right people for you to hang out with. It may seem like they are, but there are plenty of people who fit in with their friends who do not drink or do alcohol. You just need to be yourself and see what you want to do. Don't let others decide for you just because you want to "fit in'.