• Never leave your drink unattended.
• Order drinks that you can open yourself.
• Remember that non-alcoholic drinks may be targeted.
• Watch your friend's drink - use the buddy system.

You can learn how to make decisions. Ask the following questions when you are faced with a choice:

• What am I trying to decide and what do I know about it?
• How do I know my information is accurate? Who gave me the information?
• What more do I need to know before going ahead?
• Who has the added information I need?

And once the decision is made, ask yourself these questions:

• What are the good effects of this decision?
• What are the bad effects?

After this, reconsider your decision and take responsibility for the consequences.

Teens who learn from their parents or caregivers about ways to say no to drinking and drugs, warning signs of dating violence, or the reality of date rape drugs are more likely to say NO when someone tries to push them beyond comfortable limits.

At some point, you will probably be offered alcohol. To resist such pressure, quick “one-liners’ allow you to dodge a drink without making a big scene.

It will probably work best if you think up comebacks to drink offers so that you will feel comfortable saying them. But, to get the brainstorming started, here are some simple pressure busters – from the mildest to the most assertive.

• No thanks.
• I don’t feel like it – do you have any soda?
• Alcohol’s NOT my thing.
• Are you talking to me? FORGET IT.
• Why do you keep pressuring me when I’ve said NO?
• Back off!

• Honesty is important in a friendship.
• Friends can influence each other, both in a positive way and in a negative way.
• A good friendship will make you feel good about yourself.
• Who you choose to be your friend is important. Choose wisely and you will benefit from the friendship.

Use the following links, and be sure to check out our Resources link.

• Did you know? Facts about Teenage Drinking and Driving in Illinois
• The Truth About Alcohol
• 25 Reasons Young People Don’t Use Drugs