It’s not always easy to handle peer pressure when it comes to drinking. People may tell you it’ll make you mellow, perky, the life of the party, cool, seem older than you are or make it easier to impress someone. Of course, you’re smarter than that. You know that’s all an illusion.

There are many ways you can handle pressure to follow the crowd and avoid taking part in risky behaviour, such as underage drinking.

Here are a few examples:

• Seek out friends whose company you enjoy without drinking or drugs and who you trust will look out for you and expect you to do the same for them.

• Get involved in activities that don’t involve drinking – sports, music, art, drama, crafts, fitness classes, your school council or newspaper. The possibilities are endless.

• Organize special events at your school or with a group of friends, such as concerts or guest speakers on subjects that interest you.

• Get a part-time job – tutoring younger kids, walking neighbourhood dogs, working in a store or restaurant, etc.

• Do volunteer work with younger kids, seniors, community groups, etc.

• Avoid events where you suspect there’ll be drinking. If there is, don’t let someone pressure you to drink.

The key is planning ahead about how you'll deal with difficult situations. If you're being pressured to drink, you can:

• Say: “No thanks.”

• Ignore the talk about drinking and change the subject.

• Name something else you’d rather do instead of drinking.

• Say you don’t want to because it’s illegal/it’s lame/it makes you sick, etc. – the choice is yours, so be creative.

• Take a stand and say: “I don’t want to and that’s that.”

• Get a friend to support your decision.

• Point out that you expect the other person not to ask you to do something that you don’t want to do.

• Rethink your friendships with those who are pressuring you. If they don’t respect your decision not to drink, are they really the kind of friends you want?

• Give a reason why you have to leave and do so.

Finally, if you’re at a party or event and can only find a ride home with someone who may have been drinking, NEVER get in the car/truck/boat or any other vehicle. Have other options ready – take a bus or a cab, call your parents, an older brother or sister or a friend you know is sober, or plan to sleep over. Discuss this situation in advance with someone you’ll be able to call if you need to. You can be sure that parents, family and friends would much rather be woken up late at night than risk your taking a ride with someone who’s been drinking or someone you don’t know.

If you think drinking is necessary to having a good time, think again. You can definitely have great times without alcohol and your health and safety depend on your making smart choices. Remember that you always have a choice and, with a little planning, you can be prepared to make the right one.

For more information, contact:
LCBO Social Responsibility Department
Tel: 416 864-6820
Fax: 416 864-2431
Online: www.hellolcbo.com