Youth Substance Abuse Resources
Web Sites
- Find facts for every type of drug you can imagine.
- Read true stories from others who have battled with drugs.
- Listen to recorded stories or watch videos of true events and struggles.
- Share your own story. Your words could be another’s saving grace.
- Check out the games and celebrity advice.
- Get the chance to start your own support group to help your friends.
- Send e-cards to loved ones reminding them how important they are and that they can make it through.
- “You sure you’re in control?” is the question you are asked on this site.
- Read situations and pick the choice you would make to find out where you would end up in these situations.
Peer Pressure
Handling the Pressure to Drink
Practice Your Refusal Skills
- Be upfront: "Do I have to drink to be your friend?"
- Blame a parent: "If my mom smelled alcohol on my breath, I'd be grounded!"
- Make a joke: "No thanks, I have enough trouble remembering things already."
- Remember goals: "No way! I want to make the basketball team!"
- Walk away: "I can't. I'll be late for dinner."
- Be honest: "I don't drink" or "I hate the taste."
Practice, practice, practice. Think of some responses you feel comfortable with. Yup, it sounds goofy, but it helps when the time comes.
Remember the Facts
- Drinking will not make you more attractive or more fun. Would you want to be with someone who is stumbling around or throwing up?
- Alcohol is a dangerous drug. Even small amounts affect your body. And a drinker's recklessness can endanger others.
- Drinking won't make you more grown-up. Having the courage to say no does.
- It might not seem like it, but many teens don't drink.
Take Care of Yourself in Healthy Ways
Drinking never solves problems - and it often creates new ones. Work through problems by talking with a friend, parent, or other trusted adult, writing in a journal, taking a hot bath, exercising, etc. (Consult with a health-care provider before starting an exercise program.)
Know Your True Friends
Good friends will respect your decision not to drink.
Get Involved
For example, join a band, take part in a community service project, play sports or take an acting class. The more time you spend on other activities, the less likely you'll be to drink.
Avoid Pressure Situations
For example, if you know there will be beer at a party, don't go. Plan to go to a movie or do something else with friends instead.
Think About Your Future
What do you want to do? What do you want to be like? Alcohol won't help you reach those goals - it will make them harder to reach.
Be Yourself
Without Alcohol
Your Opinions and Values Count
Stick to them - even if it means saying no to others. You'll respect yourself for standing up for your beliefs.
Learn the Dangers of Alcohol
Tell your friends what you know. Teach them how to say no to drinking too.
Don't Let Others Push You
Once you've made your choice, don't let others try to talk you into drinking. Your friends will look up to you and respect your confidence.
