Teens > StopYourself. Stop a Friend. > Prevent Yourself From Getting a DUI >
It is never easy to turn down something that seems tempting. Here aretips that will make it easier; the more you practice them, the easierthey will get. Here 's how to practice refusal skills:
1. Give a reason for saying “No.”
Be honest. Honest answers are more easily accepted by others. Some reasonsmight be:
“I want to keep a clear head.”
“I could get suspended from the team.”
“I don 't use alcohol or other drugs.”
2. Use the right body language.
Your body language has to match your words. Make sure there are no mixedmessages. Be firm, not wishy-washy. Make eye contact, stand up tall, anduse a firm voice. Don 't look at the ground, glance away, speak softly,or show you are nervous.
3. Show your concern for others.
Express your concern for those trying to persuade you. In the case offriends who have decided to drink, you might say things like:
“I 'd be really sad if anything happened to you.”
“What would your parents do if they found out you were drinking?”
4. Suggest something else.
Try to persuade your friends to do something fun that 's safer ormore healthy. Here are some suggestions:
“Let 's go out in back and play volleyball.”(or some other sport)
“I 'd rather dance and eat something. I 'm starved.”
5. Take action.
If your friends still try to talk you into doing something you don 'twant to, just leave. That way they 'll know you are not going to changeyour mind.
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FAQs
The truth is, only time can get alcohol and drugs out of the system.
- Talk with your friends. ...
- Politely but firmly tell the person you cannot let him or her drive home because you care. ...
- Call a cab. ...
- Call your parents for a ride. ...
- Have your friend sleep over at the party.
- Take the car keys away.
Never drink and drive. Don't let someone get behind the wheel if that person has been drinking. If you're hosting a gathering, make sure everyone has a sober ride home. Call 911 if you see a drunk driver.
How do I make sure I never drink and drive? ›
Even if you don't have a designated driver, you can avoid driving drunk by getting where you're going using an alternative method. This can be by walking, taking public transportation, getting a ride, or calling a cab. By leaving your car at home, you're guaranteeing you won't drive drunk that night.
What is a primary way to discourage drinking and driving? ›
Final answer:
A primary way to discourage drinking and driving is through education and awareness campaigns, strict enforcement of laws and penalties, and providing alternative options such as designated drivers or ridesharing services.
What are 10 things you can do instead of drunk driving? ›
10 Tips to Avoid Driving Drunk
- UBER, Cab or Give someone your keys. ...
- Don't drink on an empty stomach. ...
- Know your body and pace yourself. ...
- Spend the night. ...
- Wait two or three hours. ...
- Stop drinking 90 minutes or more before you plan to leave. ...
- Take the night off from drinking. ...
- Call a cab or a Friend.
You could go with “I'm way too fun as it is, you couldn't handle me with alcohol” or you could even go further and say something like “I am already the life of the party - I don't need alcohol to be endlessly cool!”
What are 5 facts about drinking and driving? ›
12 Surprising facts about drinking and driving
- In the US alone, someone is killed by a drunk driver every 45 minutes.
- Alcohol is responsible for nearly half of auto vehicle crashes where a teen is killed (46%).
- In 40% of traffic deaths in the US at any age, alcohol is involved.
- It doesn't take much.
Drunk driving is a dangerous practice and a serious crime. One person's selfish behavior can endanger the lives of fellow motorists. These drivers blatantly break the law, and if you suspect a fellow driver is intoxicated, you should take immediate steps to protect yourself and the safety of others on the road.
What is the drive sober slogan? ›
Ride Sober or Get Pulled Over.
Does everyone drink and drive? ›
Looking at the number of times people have driven in the last 30 days after drinking, it's great to see that over 65% of respondents claimed to have not got behind the wheel.
Trouble with Balance. Drinking makes you feel dizzy and can make it hard for you to balance. If you find yourself falling off your chair, feeling like you're going to fall over, or just bumping into chairs and doors, you've probably been drinking too much to drive.
Why do people drink and drive? ›
Alcohol gives some people a confidence boost that may make them feel invincible when they choose to drive drunk, especially if they have done so before without getting caught. Of course, any police officer will tell you that getting behind the wheel after even one beer or glass of wine is playing with fire.
What is the most effective deterrent for drinking and driving? ›
What Works: Strategies to Reduce or Prevent Alcohol-Impaired...
- Lower Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) Limits. ...
- Other Laws and Policies That Can Reduce Access to Alcohol and Alcohol-Impaired Driving. ...
- Ignition Interlocks. ...
- Alcohol Use Disorder Assessment and Treatment Programs. ...
- Alcohol Screening and Brief Interventions.
Organizations that Fight Against Drinking and Driving
- Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD). ...
- Students Against Destructive Decisions. ...
- Teens Against Drunk Driving. ...
- International Drunk Driving Prevention Association (IDDPA).
Six Ways Alcohol Consumption Impacts Safe Driving
- Judgment. Drinking alcohol reduces a person's ability to think clearly, reason, make smart decisions, and exercise caution—all necessary to drive safely.
- Concentration. ...
- Comprehension. ...
- Coordination. ...
- Vision and hearing. ...
- Reaction time.
Top Ten Ways To Turn Down A Drink!
- “No, thank you!” (No explanation necessary; your response can be short, sweet and direct).
- “I've had enough.” (Again, short, to the point and completely acceptable).
- “Thanks, but I've got a ton of work to do later.”
- “I'd rather get a soda, thanks.”
- “I'm allergic to alcohol.”
For those who ask why not, you can let them know that you're in recovery or had to quit for your health and well-being. You could also say that it's against your religious or spiritual beliefs. What excuse you make not to drink comes down to what you feel comfortable with.
Is persuading someone not to drink and drive is like warning someone an emergency situation? ›
Just as we warn someone about a potential emergency to avert danger, persuading someone not to drink and drive is a proactive approach to prevent potential harm or accidents. Both actions involve raising awareness and encouraging responsible behavior to avoid negative consequences.
How do you say no to drinks with someone? ›
Consider a sequence like this:
- No, thank you.
- No, thanks, I don't want to.
- You know, I'm (cutting back/not drinking) now (to get healthier/to take care of myself/because my doctor said to). I'd really appreciate it if you'd help me out.
