Peer Pressure to Drink Alcohol: 10 Tips for Saying ‘No’
People of all ages experience peer pressure. The simple truth is that we’re all social beings, and most of us care what our friends and acquaintances think about us and our behavior. Teens, in particular, are strongly influenced by their peers. According to the National Institutes of Health, that’s because [teenage] brains undergo changes that make them highly attuned to social situations.
It’s natural for your peer group to influence how you dress or which music you listen to. However, that doesn’t mean you have to go along with everything your friends and classmates suggest — especially if they’re encouraging you to engage in risky behaviors, such as underage drinking.
If you’re wondering how you can avoid drinking alcohol when there’s so much peer pressure to drink, here are some suggestions to help you stay true to your values and say “NO.”
How To Resist Peer Pressure to Drink Alcohol
1. Know the Truth
Despite what your classmates may tell you or what you see on social media, most teenagers don’t drink alcohol. The 2023 State of Underage Drinking in North Carolina Survey found that only 37% of all high school and middle school students had tried alcohol. That means 63% of teenagers have never had a single drink. In other words, if someone tries to tell you that everyone your age is drinking alcohol, they obviously don’t know what they’re talking about.
2. Learn the Facts
When you understand the risks and consequences of underage drinking, it’s much easier to resist peer pressure to drink. For starters, underage drinking can damage your physical and mental health. Because your brain won’t be fully mature until you’re about 25 years old, it’s much more susceptible to alcohol’s negative effects. Underage drinking can decrease brain activity, impair good judgment, cause memory loss, or even “wire” your brain for future substance use disorders. It can also cause anxiety and depression and is linked to an increased risk of suicide.
If the health risks aren’t scary enough, the legal ramifications should definitely get your attention. North Carolina has a zero-tolerance policy on underage drinking and driving. If you drink and drive with even the tiniest amount of alcohol in your system, you risk having your driver’s license revoked. It’s also a Class 1 misdemeanor to buy, consume, or possess alcohol if you’re under 21.
3. Hang Out With Like-Minded Friends
Your choice of friends plays a major role in influencing your decisions. If your current social group is making you feel uncomfortable, seek out friends who share similar values and respect your decision not to drink underage. While it can be tricky to make new friends, you can usually find like-minded people by participating in clubs or hobbies or by joining a sports or academic team at school or in your community.
4. Avoid Situations Where There’s Likely to Be Alcohol
The easiest way to avoid drinking alcohol is to stay away from places where alcohol is present. You can choose to skip parties or gatherings where you know other teens will be drinking. Instead, get together with like-minded friends and find some fun, sober activities to enjoy, like a game night or a trip to the movies.
5. Have a Go-To Response
Even if you spend your time with sober friends, it’s possible that someone may pressure you to drink alcohol. Have a few responses prepared so you can quickly decline the offer. You might say something as simple as, “No thanks. I don’t drink.” Or you can place the blame on strict parents, a big test you need to prepare for, or an upcoming practice for your sport or club. Having a ready response can help you feel more confident in your refusal.
6. Practice Being Assertive
Once you’ve decided on a good response, you need to say it like you mean it. Learning to be assertive is a crucial skill in resisting negative peer pressure of any kind. Practice saying “no” in front of a mirror or with a trusted friend or family member. The more self-assured you are, the easier it is to resist peer pressure to drink alcohol.
7. Turn the Pressure Around
Some people have a hard time accepting “no” for an answer, even if you’re very clear. In that case, you might try turning the pressure around. Use positive peer pressure on them! Tell them about the negative effects and consequences of underage drinking (see #2 above). Ask why they would want to take those risks or expose you to possible harm. Your good influence could give them the confidence to avoid a bad decision.
8. Create an X-Plan
No matter how careful you are, you could find yourself in an uncomfortable situation where everyone around you is drinking alcohol. Or you might even succumb to peer pressure to drink. In either case, you need a safe and reliable exit strategy — an X-Plan. The X-Plan is an arrangement you make ahead of time with your parents. You agree to text them the letter “X” (or some other prearranged message) if you’re in a dangerous or risky situation. They text you back a previously-agreed-upon response to let you know they’re on the way to pick you up. The only thing your friends will know is that your parents need you to come home immediately.
9. Seek Support From Trusted Adults
Dealing with negative peer pressure can be tough, especially if the person applying that pressure is a close friend. If you find yourself making decisions that don’t align with your values or goals, don’t hesitate to reach out to your parents or another trusted adult, like a teacher, club advisor, or counselor. They truly care about your well-being.
Have an honest conversation with them about what you’re dealing with. Remember, they were teenagers once upon a time, and they’ll have insights that can help you navigate peer pressure more effectively.
10. Visit the Talk it Out NC Website
Talk it Out NC was created specifically for teens and their parents. When you visit TalkitOutNC.org, you’ll find evidence-based information to help you understand the dangers associated with underage drinking and useful tools to support you in saying “no” to peer pressure to drink alcohol.
One of those tools is a Pledge Program that helps you and your parents Start the Conversation about alcohol. Check it out and Take the Pledge today!
