The Many Ways of Saying “No” to Drugs and Alcohol

We’ve all heard the slogan “Just Say No” on anti-drug campaigns, but sometimes it just isn’t that easy. What if you’re suddenly in a situation where someone is offering you drugs and you need to think fast? Or what about when you’re having a great time hanging out with your closest friends and everyone is willing to do it except you?

One way to prepare yourself for these encounters is to think about them and decide ahead of time how you’re going to react. Whether you made your decision about drugs and alcohol long ago or you’re just starting to think about it, remember, in the end, YOU’RE in control. Let’s face it ... you’re not a kid anymore. You’re a teenager and old enough to make your own decisions — it’s time you worry less about what others think! Of course, you can always just say “NO” — that’s fine too. But here are some other ways to take some of the pressure off and still feel good about making the right decision.

“No thanks, I’m not into that stuff.”
“I tried it once and got really sick.”
“I heard more and more companies are drug testing, and I really need a job this summer.”
“I tried it once and got caught. There’s no way I’m going through that with my parents again!”
“No thanks, I’ve really got to go. I forgot that I’m supposed to be home by 10:00 p.m.”
“No way. I saw this show on TV and this person was addicted to that stuff. It was really freaky.”

Check out www.drugfreeaz.com for more ways to say “NO” and other important information.