Saying no to drugs can be extremely daunting for teens, especially if they are caught up in the wrong situation or with the wrong crowd—including their friends. The simplest way to teach your teen how to refuse drugs is to talk to them about drugs and the possible situation of being offered drugs.
Friendly Influence
Your teen’s friends have a big influence on them, and turning down a friend can be a scary thing for a teen. It is harder to say “no” to a friend, so teach your teen options for refusing to join in on risky behaviour. Talk to them about how decline drugs from friends, and even act out possible scenarios where their friends offer them drugs. Offer to be the excuse your teen needs to leave a bad situation. Let them know that if they are in a situation where others are doing drugs, they can say something along the lines of, “I have to take off, I promised my mom I’d help with dinner.”
If you are concerned about your teen’s social group of choice, try steering them towards another group of friends who would have a better influence on them. Suggest they make plans with an old friend they haven’t seen in a while and offer to drive them to the movies. Alternatively, tell your teen about a new team that’s starting up in the spring and needs new players—participating in sports and other activities can be a great way to meet positive people.
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NICE Method
Another option is to introduce your teen to the N.I.C.E. method:
N — Say “no,” and not a wishy-washy answer such as “maybe” or “not right now.”
I — Follow the “no” with an “I” statement, for example, “I don’t want to.”
C — Change the topic of conversation or move the party elsewhere if pressure to do drugs continues
E — If pressure continues, leave the situation. It helps to have an “exit” strategy, such as a code phrase your teen can call or text with that means “come pick me up.”
Be A Role Model
As a parent, your teen looks up to you, so it’s important to be a role model for them and set a good example. Treating your teen with respect and kindness will also build their confidence and let them know they are trusted by their parents. This confidence will help them stand up for themselves in a situation where they are offered drugs and want to decline.
Remember, don’t forget to tell them saying ‘no’ to drugs is not the end of the world. Teens can be dramatic and think the world will end if they don’t fit in, but keeping them safe is going to take them much farther in the long run.
Feature Image: Vida Dimovska
