But sometimes we know that the party we are going to has alcohol or that people plan to do drugs at a concert. Sometimes these situations totally surprise us.When I hung out with friends who were smoking marijuana and they passed it to me I would just pass it on and say that marijuana makes me forgetful and I needed to get all A's in my Calculus and Chemistry classes to get into medical school.If they don't hang out with you, they are not genuine friends. What I find interesting, is the people who have healthy thinking and want healthy bodies, need to excuse themselves to those who are weak-minded and have to follow-the-crowds.Nobody wants to leave the party or their friends, but if your friends won’t let you party without drugs, then it’s not going to be fun for you. If your friends aren’t having it-then it’s a good time to find the door.They won’t mind! Explain that your parents are really strict, or that they will check up on you when you get home. When all else fails…blame your parents.
Find something to do so that you look busy.If they still offer you something, just say “I’m covered.” People will be less likely to pressure you to drink alcohol if you’re already drinking something. Keep a bottled drink like a soda or iced tea with you to drink at parties.I can’t do that after a night of drinking/drugs.” Why would I want to make myself stupid?!.No thanks – I don’t feel like being poisoned today.If you’re on a sports team, you can say you are staying healthy to maximize your athletic performance-besides, no one would argue that a hangover would help you play your best.If you’re all being “stupid” together, then they feel less self-conscious and don’t need to take all the responsibility.īut knowing they are just trying to save face doesn’t end the pressure, so here are a few tips that may come in handy. It can get intense, especially if the people who want you to join in on a bad idea feel judged. TIPS FOR TEENSĮven when you are confident in your decision not to use drugs or alcohol, it can be hard when it’s your friend who is offering…Ī lot of times, a simple “no thanks” may be enough. Preventative conversations can lead the adolescent to strengthen trust with their parent, and make wise decisions with habits, friends, interests, and influences. Parents can establish consistency in communication, as well as guidance that can be followed for years. Prevention talks also create deeper bonds and guidance between children and parents. In teaching boundaries, parents help children to understand when to deny something that can hurt them, while controlling the dynamic of an unhealthy request. This helps parents positively influence their children, while teaching their children about boundaries. Specifically talking to children while they are young can create a strong foundation for awareness of drug use. Parents can talk to their children and explain the consequences of drug and alcohol abuse. Prevention of drug and alcohol abuse can start at home.
Preventative Measures for Teenage Substance Abuse
Seek help if you're feeling pressure to take drugs.
NHS Choices provide further useful information about legal highs. There are legal substances for sale with potential health risks. It's not just illegal drugs that you need to be wary of. The use of drugs can have serious health consequences both physically and mentally, as well as increasing the likelihood of criminal convictions and associated crime.