You may have heard people say, “Just say no to drugs.” If someone asks you to use alcohol or drugs, try these ways to say “no.”

It Takes Practice

Saying “no” is hard for everybody, even adults. Practice these ways to say “no” to drugs and alcohol with a friend or parent so you will feel comfortable. Different children will have different ways of saying “no,” so practice and use the ones that work for you.

Just Say “No”

You are with some friends at a friend’s house after school. They find some beer in the fridge.
They say: “Hey, have a drink of beer.”
You say: “No.”
You may have to say “no” more than once. Don’t argue. Say no and show you mean it.

When “No” Isn’t Enough

Just saying “no” can work sometimes, but there may be times where you need to do more than that. Let’s practice with the same scene we just used.

You are with some friends at a friend’s house after school. They find some beer in the fridge.
They say: “Hey, have a drink of beer.”
You say: “No.”
They say: “Why don’t you want to try it – are you scared?”
You say: “No, I’m not. I don't drink beer. I need to keep in shape for soccer.”

Here you said “no” and gave a reason why you didn’t want to drink beer. Practice this with a friend or your parents and give a reason that works for you.

Suggest Other Things to Do 

You’re visiting your aunt and uncle for the weekend and while in the backyard with your older cousin, she lights up a cigarette.

She says: “Do you want a smoke?”
You say: “No, it really hurts my throat.”
She says: “You’ll get used to it. You sure?”
You say: “No, I don’t want one. Do you want to do something else like play basketball?”

Here you said “no” and gave some ideas of other things to do.

Walk Away 

Some older children come up to you in the park and offer you some marijuana.

They say: “Do you want to try some of this joint?”
You say: “No.”
They say: “Sure you don’t want to try some?”
You leave. Get out of the situation by going home or calling for a ride.