One of the best ways to say NO is by practicing for different situations where drugs and alcohol might be offered to you. For example, you’re staying the night at your aunt and uncle’s house and your older cousin offers you marijuana–practice saying NO. People that abuse drugs face so many unnecessary hardships.

* Just say NO. Don’t argue. Don’t discuss. Say NO and show that you mean it. This will be easier to do after practice.

* Give reason. Example: "My coach says not to because it will slow me down."

* Suggest other things to do. Example: "Let’s go to the movies instead."

* Say what the problem is. Example: "It’s illegal and it’s bad for you."

* Say what the consequences are. Example: "You will become addicted. You will get caught. You will feel physically bad from it."

* Avoid the situation. If you know that drug users hang out at a certain location, find another one to hang out in.

* Hang around non-users. You will end up having more fun and being more comfortable.

* LEAVE. Call for a ride or just walk away. But leave the door open in case your friends change their minds and don’t want to use.

This entry was posted on Tuesday, April 15th, 2008 at 11:41 am by marie and is filed under Young Adult Addiction. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.