It’s likely you’ll still be offered drugs or alcohol when you try to make a change and saying no can be one of the hardest things to do. But there are things you can do to make it easier.
One of the biggest challenges when you make a change to your use is the fact that everyone else might not want to change with you! It’s likely you’ll still be offered drugs or alcohol and saying no can be one of the hardest things to do. This is because it’s normal to want to be with friends, to be liked and to avoid conflict. So here are a few suggestions if you want to get better at saying no when offered drugs or alcohol.

BE PREPARED WITH A WAY TO SAY NO 

Some people will accept no, but friends and people you are used to using or drinking with may want an explanation. Think about what you might say. Here are some suggestions. (You may even want to use some humour)

  • No Thanks, not tonight
  • Nah, I’m not feeling too good
  • No, I’m cutting down
  • Nope, Doctors orders

If this isn’t enough try something like

  • Tempting but no thanks
  • You go ahead, I can catch up with you later
  • Come on, I need your support here

USE POSITIVE BODY LANGUAGE

When you say no, be aware of your posture. If it’s culturally appropriate for you try to look your friend or the person offering you drugs or alcohol in the eye when you talk.

CHANGE THE SUBJECT

To show you’re not interested in using or drinking try and talk about something else or move the conversation to a topic you are comfortable with.

It’s normal to want to be with friends, to be liked and to avoid conflict

Remember, getting on with your friends is a priority for most young people so this stuff can be really hard and it might take some practice. On the other hand part of making changes requires doing things and thinking for yourself. Anyway, you might be surprised how supportive friends can be. How would you support a friend who was cutting down or quitting?