TIPS TO ABSTAIN FROM UNDERAGE DRINKING AND DRIVING

Peer pressure. We've all been through it and we all know how difficult it is to say no. Let's say you're at a friend's graduation party and everyone is drinking. Joey offers you an alcoholic drink. At first you calmly say no thanks because you don't have a ride home. Joey doesn't take no for an answer. He insists you take his offer persuading you that he won't let you get too drunk to drive home. Since he's your friend, you trust him and take the drink. A few hours later and you are wasted. Apparently Joey's judgement isn't invincible to alcohol, so he forgets to even stop you from drinking too much. It's time to go home. Your judgement is busted too, so you think you can make the drive ("it's only four miles"). Well as you backout of your space and you unknowingly hit a mailbox. As you start to drive, the road gets larger and smaller and sways back and forth. You see bright lights and before you know it you wake up in the hospital three days later.

With that story being said, we can analyze the techniques Joey used to persuade you to drink alcohol even though you didn't plan on doing it. We can also see how you're false judgement allowed you to take the dangerous adventure home. The following information are tips to help you in a situation like this.

TIPS TO SAY "NO"

  • If you are invited to a party and you know there will be alcohol, it is best to avoid the situation all together and don't go. Instead invite some friends to go bowling or to the movies with you. 2
  • If alcohol "unexpectedly" appears at a party you are at, then try to leave and convince others that drinking isn't going to be safe. 2
  • If you are offered alcohol, the first line of defense is to say no, but use humor with it. 1
  • The second line of defense is to make up some kind of sad story about a family member or close dieing from an alcohol related incident.
  • Try to convince the person that you trust them, but you can't afford to take the risk that night. 2
  • Bring a drink of your own, such as soda or water, and don't let it leave your sight for one second. People spike drinks with all sorts of substances including alcohol and roofies (date-rape drugs).

TIPS IF "NO" FAILS

  • If you submit to peer pressure or know you will submit to peer pressure, let a parent know to come pick you up from the party before you drink anything.
  • Afraid of your parents knowing? Ask a friend not attending the party to come pick you up.
  • Stay the night at that house if it is possible. Do NOT risk driving drunk or driving with someone else who is drunk.
  • You can always take the drink, pretend to drink it, and poor it out when no one is looking. 1
  • No friends to help you out? Don't want family to know? Call a taxi to come get you and bring you home. The money you pay for the taxi will be much less expensive then the cost of someone's life.