Saying “NO!”

You have the right to say “no” to actions you do not wish to be a part of or about which you are uncertain. Practicing “no” will help you when the time arises. You do not have to explain your reason for saying no. The most effective way to say no is to do so quietly and firmly and then move on to the next topic of conversation.

It is hard to say “no” to your friends, but once you get your nerve up, here are some suggestions – collected from a group of teens:

• No!
• No way!
• I don’t do drugs!
• Sorry, it’s against my religion.
• My parents would kill me!
• What’s your problem?
• If you knew me, you wouldn’t ask me.
• That’s crazy!
• No thanks, it would ruin my image.
• No thanks, it’s not my style.
• No thanks. Now let’s change the subject and have an intelligent conversation.
• Are you crazy?
• I like my friendship real!
• Sorry, I’m no fool.
• You do, I don’t; let’s leave it at that.
• Sorry, I lost a friend to drinking.
• Don’t hassle me, I won’t hassle you.
• Sorry, I quit.

Add your own best “no’s.”

If a friend has overdosed with drugs, or is extremely intoxicated, these reminders could save a life! DO NOT WAIT – get the person to a hospital as soon as possible. If your friend is intoxicated, take the person to the hospital noting what they drank or swallowed, the amount of liquor consumed, and the length of time the person has been drinking. ALCOHOL POISONING IS DEADLY!