“No thanks, my parents will probably know if I come home high. ” “I can’t stay long, I have to go help my dad with something. ” “I’m supposed to meet my friend in a few minutes, so I can’t. ”
“No thanks, I need all the brain cells I can get. ” “Doesn’t that stuff stunt your growth? I’m too short already!”
“I’m good. Wanna go play basketball?” “No thanks. Let’s go grab some food. ”
Say something like, “Hey guys, I’ll be our DD tonight. No drinking for me!” Or, “I’m all good, I’m staying sober so I can drive everyone home tonight. ”
If someone asks you to try drugs or alcohol, you could say, “No thanks! I’m way too busy!”
“No thanks. That stuff is so bad for you. ” “Haven’t you heard about the kids on the news who died from doing that?”
“No thanks. I just really don’t like the taste/smell. ” “My parents would kill me if they found out. ” “I could get kicked off the team for doing that. ” “I’ve decided to make some lifestyle changes so I won’t be drinking at this time. “[8] X Expert Source Tala Johartchi, PsyDClinical Psychologist Expert Interview. 16 July 2021.
If a simple “no” really isn’t working, you can move onto a different method, like using humor or making an excuse. If you really need to be forceful about it, say something like, “I said no and I’m not going to change my mind. Please stop asking. ”
“No thanks, I’m actually 6 months sober as of today. ” “I’m all good, that stuff really messes me up. I’m trying to kick the habit. ” “I’ve realized that drinking alcohol is something I can’t do anymore. “[11] X Expert Source Tala Johartchi, PsyDClinical Psychologist Expert Interview. 16 July 2021.
Try pouring your drink into a plastic cup so other people can’t tell it’s only soda or iced tea. Mocktails are a great way to party without alcohol. [13] X Expert Source Tala Johartchi, PsyDClinical Psychologist Expert Interview. 16 July 2021. If your friends are doing shots, ask for a water shot so you can still participate with them. [14] X Expert Source Tala Johartchi, PsyDClinical Psychologist Expert Interview. 16 July 2021. If someone offers to get you a drink, say, “I’m definitely open to grabbing a drink, but could you get me something that’s nonalcoholic?"[15] X Expert Source Tala Johartchi, PsyDClinical Psychologist Expert Interview. 16 July 2021.
You can make an excuse like, “I’ve got practice in 20 minutes,” or “I’ve really got to study for this test. ” If you ever feel uncomfortable at a party, call a trusted adult to pick you up.
