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Helpful examples of how to just say no
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When it comes to peer pressure, usually a simple “No thank you” will keep others from pushing you to try drugs and alcohol. However, there also might be times when you need to be a bit more firm to get others to stop. We know it can be a bit nerve-wracking to stand up to others, especially if they’re your friends. So to help, we’ve come up with a bunch of different ways to say no. We’ll start with some simple options that usually work for most situations, but we’ll also be sure to give you more specific advice in case you’re still feeling pressured.
Things You Should Know
- Make up an excuse for why you can't participate. For example, say you have to wake up early the next day or are meeting up with a friend later.
- Tell them you're the designated driver for the night and therefore need to stay sober.
- If someone continues pressuring you, don't be afraid to be firm. Say, “I said no. Please don’t ask me again."
Steps
Expert Q&A
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QuestionHow do you politely say no to a drink?Dr. Tala Johartchi is a Clinical Psychologist based in the Los Angeles, California metro area. With expertise and advanced training in Evidence-Based Practices and therapeutic/behavioral frameworks, Dr. Johartchi specializes in working with individuals, couples, and families experiencing Substance Disorders, Love Addiction and Codependency, Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, as well as common co-occurring disorders such as Depression, Anxiety, and Relational/Attachment difficulties. She earned an MA and PsyD in Clinical Psychology from The American School of Professional Psychology at Argosy University, San Francisco.Explain why you aren't drinking anymore. You might frame it as a health decision, a lifestyle change, or even a personal preference.
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QuestionCan you have fun at parties without alcohol?Dr. Tala Johartchi is a Clinical Psychologist based in the Los Angeles, California metro area. With expertise and advanced training in Evidence-Based Practices and therapeutic/behavioral frameworks, Dr. Johartchi specializes in working with individuals, couples, and families experiencing Substance Disorders, Love Addiction and Codependency, Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, as well as common co-occurring disorders such as Depression, Anxiety, and Relational/Attachment difficulties. She earned an MA and PsyD in Clinical Psychology from The American School of Professional Psychology at Argosy University, San Francisco.Absolutely! You can always order a drink without any alcohol in it, or play a drinking game with a non-alcoholic beverage. For instance, you and your friends could take "shots" of water.
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QuestionHow can I stop thinking about alcohol?Community AnswerYou can try asking for help on the internet and change your focus. Try eating healthy foods, drinking tons of water, and exercising regularly. Avoid friends and situations that remind you of alcohol.
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Tips
- If someone is constantly pressuring you to do drugs or drink alcohol, talk to a trusted adult. [12] X Research sourceThanks
- Make friends who respect your decision to stay away from drugs and alcohol.Thanks
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Warnings
- If you go to a party or event where there may be drugs, never leave your drink unattended. There’s a possibility that someone could put drugs into it without you knowing. [13] X Research sourceThanks
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References
- ↑ https://treatmentsolutions.com/blog/15-ways-a-teen-can-say-no-to-alcohol-and-drugs/
- ↑ https://www.poehealth.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/RefusalSkills_WEBPDF-1.pdf
- ↑ https://www.oxfordclinicalpsych.com/view/10.1093/med:psych/9780199334513.001.0001/med-9780199334513-appendix-24
- ↑ https://health-education-human-services.wright.edu/sites/health-education-human-services.wright.edu/files/page/attachments/HOPECurriculum_Grade8_Lesson2_August2020.pdf
- ↑ https://health-education-human-services.wright.edu/sites/health-education-human-services.wright.edu/files/page/attachments/HOPECurriculum_Grade8_Lesson2_August2020.pdf
- ↑ Tala Johartchi, PsyD. Clinical Psychologist. Expert Interview. 16 July 2021.
- ↑ https://www.oxfordclinicalpsych.com/view/10.1093/med:psych/9780199334513.001.0001/med-9780199334513-appendix-24
- ↑ https://illuminaterecovery.com/blog/how-to-get-through-the-holiday-season-as-a-recovering-addict/
- ↑ Tala Johartchi, PsyD. Clinical Psychologist. Expert Interview. 16 July 2021.
- ↑ Tala Johartchi, PsyD. Clinical Psychologist. Expert Interview. 16 July 2021.
- ↑ https://illuminaterecovery.com/blog/how-to-get-through-the-holiday-season-as-a-recovering-addict/
- ↑ https://www.girlshealth.gov/substance/drugs/sayno.html
- ↑ https://www.girlshealth.gov/substance/drugs/sayno.html
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