Tips on Avoiding Drug Use

Here are two ways to avoid drug use:

• Refusing drugs
• Avoiding drug situations

Refusing Drugs

It can sometimes be difficult to say no to friends or peers without offending them. Here are some tips on refusing drugs.

• Be Polite, But Firm
  • You can be clear that you don't want to use drugs without telling others that their decisions are wrong. It can feel good to stand your ground when you know you're right. And you could earn more respect from other friends who also want to avoid drug use.
• Give Reasons. There are lots of reasons why people don't use drugs. Here are some common ones:
  • I don't want to.
  • I don't feel like it.
  • I have asthma. (Or bronchitis, or any other health problem that could be made worse by drug use.)
  • I have to be home soon and I don't want to get in trouble.
  • I have to go to work soon.
  • I don't have any money.
• Talk About What's Important to You
  • Drugs interfere with the other parts of your life. Things like sports, relationships, music, family, work, school or other activities. Pick something that's important to you and tell people you don't want to mess it up by using drugs.

Avoiding Drug Situations

Drugs are more likely to be present among certain groups of people and in certain locations. Here are some tips on reducing the chances of being offered drugs.

• Hang out with people that are less likely to use drugs.
• Spend time in places where you're less likely to encounter drug use.