Several Ways to Say No to Alcohol

Alcohol plays a large role in social settings. Some people view consuming alcohol as a cool thing to do, even knowing the numerous negative effects it can have on their body and mind. If you are in a social setting and want to fit in but do not want to consume any alcohol, you can express your concerns about the consequences of too much alcohol and say, "Thanks, but no thanks."

Staying Hangover-Free

• When pondering whether to take the drink your friend offered you, think about the negative effects one drink (and possibly more) may have on you: slurred speech, hangovers and behavioral and vision impairment, to name a few. Be honest with your friend and tell him you do not want to risk feeling sick the next day or risk acting like an idiot. You can add that you want to feel good while doing the tasks you have to accomplish the next day, not spend the day taking pain relievers every few hours.

Not Drinking and Driving

• Even with the many public service announcements and programs, people continue to drink and drive, putting themselves and others at risk for potential accidents and fatalities. If you are out at a bar, club or party, tell your friend you are driving yourself home and you do not want to impair your driving abilities--and risk being pulled over for an alcohol-related driving offense--by consuming any alcohol.

  Your friend may say one drink won't hurt, but if you like the drink, it may turn into two drinks, then three and so forth. Hold strong and reiterate that while you appreciate the offer, you do not want the alcohol and will drink non-alcoholic beverages like soda and water.

Keeping Fit and Healthy

• If you work hard to stay fit and healthy, you do not want alcohol interfering with your effort to maintain solid emotional, mental and physical strength for your fitness goals. Remind your friend about your fitness regimen or explain that you compete in sporting activities and that you want to stay fresh and focused.

  Medications and alcohol do not mix, so you can say no to your friend's drink offer by telling him that your medication prohibits alcohol consumption.

  If your friend persists, remind him of the long-term effects of alcohol, such as rapid aging, developing cancer (esophagus, mouth, throat or larynx), cirrhosis of the liver, fetal alcohol syndrome, high blood pressure, obesity and stroke, among other conditions. The last thing he wants to hear while out partying is a lecture, and he likely will back off, leaving you alcohol-free, in peace.