Ways to Say No to Alcohol

Issues with alcohol, including earlier and more frequent use, often accompany mental health conditions, such as depression and anxiety. With Graduation Party season underway, there are many ways to be happy and sober when you feel like everyone around you is drinking. The first is to find a non-alcoholic drink that you can enjoy in public. Depending on the time of day, iced coffee, a smoothie, sparkling water, a mixture of lemonade and orange juice with or without 7Up or Sprite, or a Ginger Cran (an equal mix of Ginger Beer and 100% cranberry juice with the juice of half a lime) can be a good choice. You also can fill a Solo Cup with water, which likely may go unnoticed as the party progresses.

Having something to look forward to the morning after the event, such as getting a manicure, meeting a friend for a run or visiting a theme park, can make the decision to stay sober a much easier one. Similarly, only accepting invitations from people you actually like will help you to enjoy the party and other guests without feeling the need to drink in order to have fun. Abstaining from alcohol and cigarettes also will save you money that you can spend on healthy choices, like video games, concert tickets or new clothes.

Staying sober will allow you to actually remember what happens at the social events you attend and possibly be the only person who has a good Snapchat of any crazy or funny things that occur. The next time you are around people who are drinking, take a minute to watch what they are doing. You likely will observe loud, immature behavior and individuals who are staggering and repeating or slurring their words. Do you really want to look that way to others? The point of a party is to have fun. If you are bored or tired of being one of the only sober people, leave. Even if you say goodbye, the other guests likely will not remember the next day that you headed home early.

If your friends initially are disappointed in your decision not to drink, they will adjust quickly. It will become increasingly easier to say “No” as time passes. Be confident, but polite when refusing alcohol. A simple “Nah, man, I’m good.” can be very effective. Chewing gum allows you to say “No thanks. It would taste weird, but thanks anyway.” when someone offers you an alcoholic beverage. Know that you are not alone in your choice to stay sober. Believe it or not, approximately 70 percent of teenagers do not drink. At any gathering, you are likely to find at least one designated driver and/or someone who has a college entrance exam, work or another important reason to get up early the next day and is remaining sober.

If you have a plan on how to handle being offered alcohol, the temptation to drink will be less. Trust your own judgment and do not let peer pressure make you do anything you do not want to. It is okay to say “No.” Also, parents may want to establish a “No Questions Asked” rule to encourage teens to contact them when they are in an uncomfortable or unsafe situation. If you do not yell or get angry, adolescents will be more likely to seek help when they need it. #BeATrueFriend #RethinktheDrink

Thank you to Eric from USHealthCorps.org, who recently E-Mailed suggested topics to add to the website, including this one.