Drug Education Student Booklet

8 OPTION 1: AVOID SITUATIONS If you don’t think you will be able to resist the offer or pressure to take drugs and alcohol then it may be best to avoid that situation or group of people altogether. Try to hang out with people who share similar interests and do not use drugs and alcohol. Good friends should respect your decision not to use drugs and alcohol. Get involved in a new activity and meet some new people. OPTION 2: MAKE AN EXCUSE As the title implies, this involves the person making an excuse to get out of what they don’t want to do. For example: ● “No thanks, my parents are picking me up soon” ● “Last time I had it I reacted really badly” ● “I’ve got to go soon” ● “I can’t take any tonight, I’m on medication” ● “No thanks, I will stay sober and keep an eye out to make sure everyone else is safe” OPTION 3: WALK AWAY If a person offers you drugs, you can simply make your excuse and go. For example, you can leave by saying: “I need to go to the bathroom” or “Is that Angela over there? I need to catch up, I haven’t seen her in ages” OPTION 4: BE ASSERTIVE Assertive communication involves a person clearly stating their needs, wants and feelings whilst still being respectful of others. Learning to be assertive takes practice, so don’t worry if it doesn’t come naturally. Assertive communication includes three steps: 1. Stating your answer 2. Giving your reason 3. Showing understanding The following is an example of assertive communication: Tom: Just have one pill, your parents won’t know. Katie: No thanks, I don’t want to risk it. They probably won’t find out but if they do I’ll be grounded for life. Showing this understanding makes it very difficult for people to keep trying to exert pressure. There will still be the odd person who will keep trying, but most people will stop.