How to Say No to Drugs and Alcohol

To "Just Say No" to drugs and alcohol, one must have a reason and that reason must be that there are more interesting, and productive activities to choose from. It also helps to have ananswer to peers who may offer these substances to you. Be strong as sometimes you may have to lie about how much drugs you have had that night, e.g: "I have already had far too much tonight", or, "Sorry dude, it doesn't agree with my chest, I get really bad asthma". When declining the offer keep strong but calm, if you become too abrasive to the dealer there could be consequences, for they are most likely interpreting your decline differently than your meaning. Keep in mind, people who offer you drugs, are most likely on drugs.

Steps 

1

Realize that abusing drugs may lead to devastating events in people's lives.These could include prison, homelessness, serious medical problems such as an overproduction of serotonin and even death.

2

Think about what other things in life you can achieve such as activities that are more fulfilling than drugs. Maybe investing in a career, or practicing an instrument. Drugs can destroy family ties, so spend time strengthening bonds with your family and friends.

3

Examine all activities broadly, to help you Discover What You Really Want from a New Career. Think about the compliments received from utilizing your skills, the rewards of pursuing an interesting career, or how much your new found self-esteem really means to you. Write down your goals and tick each goal as you achieve it. Don't set your goals too high, make sure they are reasonable, or you will just set yourself up for failure.

4

Compare the results, long term and short term, of your new lifestyle. If you were taking drugs, the results would never be as good

5

Realize that enjoying life and pursuing new interests is more satisfying and EASIER (long term anyway) than abusing drugs

6

Prepare yourself for occasions where strangers may offer drugs to you. It could be a street corner or a party. By now, you should be able to tell the person why you choose to refuse or chose not to participate in what they are offering. If in a moment of weakness you choose to try drugs again, first, think it through very carefully. Second, make sure you are in a safe environment with people you love and trust

7

Try to associate with people who do not use drugs, and avoid situations where they will be used and given to you. Try immersing yourself in activities that are made more difficult by drugs, such as driving, talking on the phone, learning something new, or jogging

8

Have a good friend who you can talk to about any situation where you are tempted to take drugs. This will help you be more accountable, and it should provide you with positive feedback from someone who genuinely cares about you

9

Remember that the future is full of promise and abusing drugs might rob you of those beautiful things in life.

10

Look at the list of people who have been destroyed, even killed, by drugs.Just because many Rock Stars, actors or friends use them doesn't make them cool; you must make your own decisions. For every star who looks cool taking drugs, there is one who is in rehab, or has died