Avoiding Adolescent Alcohol Abuse

Six Ways to Say No to a Drink

At some point, your child will be offered alcohol. To resist such pressure, teens say they prefer quick "one-liners" that allow them to dodge a drink without making a big scene. It will probably work best for your teen to take the lead in thinking up comebacks to drink offers so that he or she will feel comfortable saying them. But to get the brainstorming started, here are some simple pressure-busters, from the mildest to the most assertive.

1. No thanks.
2. I don't feel like it- do you have any soda?
3. Alcohol's  NOT my thing.
4. Are you talking to me? FORGET it.
5. Why do you keep pressuring me when I've said NO.
6. Back off!

A Word to the Wise...

 Learn about your child's likes and dislikes and take an active role in what interests him or her.

Volunteer in your child's classroom or go along on special outings as a chaperone. This not only helps your child's schoolteachers, but is also a good way to get to know his or her friends better.

Try to set aside some time each day, without distractions, to discuss his or her activities that day and don't be afraid to show your changing child that what goes on in his or her life matters to you.

Try to ask open-ended questions -avoid ones that can be answered by just a "yes" or "no". Encourage your child to tell you how he or she thinks and feels about the issue you're discussing.

Don't turn your conversation into a lecture. If you show respect for your child's viewpoint, he or she will be more likely to listen to and respect yours.

Let your child know that you appreciate his or her efforts as well as accomplishments, and avoid harmful criticism.

Understand that your child is growing up and, as you guide his or her behavior, make an effort to respect your child's need for independence and privacy.

To get a free copy of NIAAA’s new easy-to-read booklet, Make a Difference — Talk to your child about Alcohol, available
in both English and Spanish, write to:
NIAAA Publication Distribution Center
P.O. Box 10686
Rockville, MD 20849-0686
It can also be ordered by email at niaaaweb-r@exchange.nih.gov and is available for viewing or downloading at <http://silk.nih.gov/silk/niaaa1/publication/children.pdf>.

For additional information, contact:
Betty Riley
Writer and Editor
NIH Office of Communications and Public Liaison
Phone: 301-496-8855
Fax: 301-496-0019
E-mail: br3j@nih.gov