Even when you are confident in your decision not to use drugs or alcohol, it can be hard when it’s your friend who is offering.
A lot of times, a simple “no thanks” may be enough. But sometimes it’s not. It can get intense, especially if the people who want you to join in on a bad idea feel judged. If you’re all being “stupid” together, then they feel less self-conscious and don’t need to take all the responsibility.
But knowing they are just trying to save face doesn’t end the pressure, so here are a few tips that may come in handy.
- Offer to be the designated driver. Get your friends home safely, and everyone will be glad you didn’t drink or take drugs.
- If you’re on a sports team, you can say you are staying healthy to maximize your athletic performance—besides, no one would argue that a hangover would help you play your best.
- “I have to study for a big test / go to a concert / visit my grandmother / babysit / march in a parade, etc. I can’t do that after a night of drinking/drugs.”
- Keep a bottled drink like a soda or iced tea with you to drink at parties. People will be less likely to pressure you to drink alcohol if you’re already drinking something. If they still offer you something, just say “I’m covered.”
This post is an excerpt. For the original article and more tips on handling drug-related peer pressure, click here.
