The basic reason this happens is the adolescent’s need for acceptance by a peer group. The social environment is critical for adolescents as this is where they sense they are accepted for who they are, and if a different behaviour is expected in the peer group, the adolescent will succumb even if they know this is not their usual behaviour. The need for acceptance overrides the adolescent’s earlier upbringing.

Within the family, if there is a good relationship between the adults and the adolescent, it is good to have a non-emotional discussion about the behaviour, its potential negative results, its potential positive results so that the adolescent can have a reality check.

Families can always set limits, e.g., what time an adolescent is expected to be home from any social event; drinking; soft and hard drugs. Families can become so emotional about behaviour they do not condone that they let their emotions get in the way of true communication.

Families can’t change the need of acceptance by a peer group; they can set limits on conduct, and reiterate the rules that give structure to the family.