The vast majority of teens don't take drugs or drink because they are depressed, suicidal, or lacking in self-esteem.
They do it because it gives them pleasure, and suggesting they say no seems to be absurd advice that can compromise fun and friendship.
Taking drugs and alcohol has nothing to do with being bad; it has everything to do with experimenting with forbidden substances
without thinking about further chronic use and its effects.
Something that will give you pleasure and earn the acceptance of friends
is an irresistible lure and hard to walk away from for fear that you will never earn the respect from your friends.
To say no can
automatically exclude you from all the fun you are supposed to have while being a teen.
But then, this is a conflict because the vast majority of teens are not using alcohol and drugs to fit in or have fun. How do they do it?
They choose to have alternative entertainment to have fun, mainly because they strive for a healthy lifestyle to succeed in their future endeavors.
To them, drugs and alcohol will take away any opportunity in life which will make them into unique individuals.
In case you feel that saying no will alienate you, here are five tips you should consider before giving in to the lure of alcohol and drugs.
Tip # 1 - Using alcohol and drugs can affect my health, my learning capacity, my appearance, and my self-respect.
Tip # 2 - Using alcohol and drugs can lead to addiction, which will make me into a slave in order to survive painful withdrawals. Can I afford treatment?
Tip # 3 - Using alcohol and drugs can lead to poverty, crime, suicide, overdose, death...who the hell wants this fate?
Tip # 4 - Using alcohol and drugs can make me lose the respect and trust of my family.
Tip # 5 - Using alcohol and drugs can cause me to kill an innocent victim. Can I survive being incarcerated?
After you thought about these tips, saying NO is a piece of cake, and believe me, you will not miss out on anything or lose friends.
Here are a few words that will not compromise your popularity or acceptance.
"No, thanks. I am not into that."
"Why would I want to mess up my life? I'm cool just the way I am."
"You've gotta be joking. Why would I do something so dumb?"
"No way, dude. Taking drugs is so retarded."
"No way, dude. I am not going to screw up my life."
"Can't do it, dude. Gotta get home."
"I tried drinking and the hangover sucks."
"That's illegal, dude. I don't want to get caught and with my luck I will."
"I have a test tomorrow and gotta study. My parents will have my ass if I fail."
"I'm up for a scholarship and if I mess with the drugs, I will blow it."
"My parents would kill me and I'll be grounded for the rest of my life."
"My brother got caught by the cops for possession and probation sucks."
"My parents have better noses than drug-sniffing dogs. I don't want to get grounded".
"Alcohol sucks, dude. It makes you get fat".
I am sure that all of you are creative enough to come up with excuses to fit your needs.
They will get tired of asking, because your answers made them realize that you can stand up for yourself without judging their actions.
The power of saying no may even make your friends think that they are dumb and eventually stop using. Ever think of that?
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