During your life you are likely to be offered drugs at some
point. Whether it's from your mate, your brother, a guy at school
you have never spoken to or even someone approaching you in the
street.
One situation can be very different to another and you may not
feel strong enough just to walk away. In order to help you say
"No", we have compiled a list of useful tips.
- "Make an excuse, any excuse. For instance, 'My mate has
used it before and said it was rubbish' or 'Last time I had that it
made me feel sick.'" (Former drug user)
- "Feel comfortable with what you are saying and be firm with
your answer." (Richard Young, drug worker)
- "Be strong enough to walk away and say 'No'. If you feel you
can do so safely, report it to someone like your school, the police
or crimestoppers." (PC Sarah Pack, Sussex Police)
- “Consider the consequences of possessing illegal drugs and what
could happen if you took them or were caught.” (Toni Dean, Sussex
Police)
- "Tell the person offering them to you, 'No' and mean it. You
have the choice, so if you don't want to, you don't have to."
(Former drug user)
- “Someone selling drugs wants money. If you tell them you
haven’t got any you won't be of interest to them.” (Drug
worker)
- “Tell them you can’t be under the influence of anything as
you’ve got to go and see your girl/boyfriend or your parents later
on, or you have got to drive home.” (Former drug user)
As 'cool' as you may think you look when you are standing
somewhere smoking a spliff or arriving at school completely out of
it, in reality you are really getting the wrong end of the stick.
In fact, in a recent countywide survey only 22% of people aged
between 11-24 in West Sussex saw recreational drug use as
acceptable.
Taking drugs affects your health, makes you look and feel awful
and will also help ruin friendships, break apart families and help
you on your way to exam failure.