Just Say No
May 09, 2008
How to Say No to Alcohol (and still have a good time)
You're at a party, relaxing with friends or just hanging out. Then someone offers you a drink. How do you say no without wrecking the fun? Take a look at these tips.
You'll have a good time - and remember it the next day!
Decide Why You Don't Want to Drink. There are many reasons people decide not to drink. Why do you want to avoid alcohol?
- I don't like the taste.
- I don't like the way it makes me feel.
- I want to stay in control.
- I'll have more fun sober.
- I know alcohol may make problems worse.
- Drunk driving kills thousands of people every year.
- Drinking goes against my beliefs.
- I don't want to risk my health.
- Hangovers are no fun.
- I know that it's illegal for people under 21.
- I just don't want to.
Being clear about your reasons will help you follow through on your decision.
Planning Ahead
Can Help.
Steer clear of parties
or places where you know people will be drinking. If you do
go, think about how you will deal with alcohol. You may want to
practice what you'll say. Drink soda, mineral water or fruit juice
instead of alcohol.
Say No With
Style!
There are lots of
different ways to stand up to peer pressure to drink. You can be
direct, joke your way out of it or change the topic. Decide what
works best for you. The responses below can help you get
started.
Be
Direct
Say no directly every
time and people will stop asking. Want a beer? No, thanks. I
don't want one. Come on. It'll be fun. I don't drink - and
I'm having a great time without it.
Give a
Reason
Use a reason and sound
like you mean it. What are you worried about? Actually, I've got a
big game (test, job interview) tomorrow. Just one before you go? No
way. I'm driving home.
Use
Humor
Sometimes you can joke
your way out of a tight spot. For instance:You'll feel great!
I'll feel better without my head in the toilet. Scared of getting
caught? No. Just scared of how I'd look with a
hangover!
Offer an
Alcohol-Free Option
There are plenty of
things to do for fun instead of drinking. Check out your
alternatives. Join me in a beer? I'd rather dance! Let's go!
Let's swing by the liquor store. Better yet, let's go grab a
pizza.
Respect Your
Decision and Others Will Respect It Too
Real friends won't
push you to do something you don't want to do. Join a sports team,
club, band or volunteer program. Hanging out with people who share
your interests will make it easier to have fun without
alcohol.
