Facts on Tap: prevention and intervention program for high school and college students

> How NOT to Drink


When you’ve got to drive home, not drinking at a party or a bar where everyone else is tossing back beers and shots can be a real exercise in self-restraint. But remember: You’re staying sober for a good reason- YOU NEED TO DRIVE HOME. Stick to your guns. And keep these things in mind:

Some people get uncomfortable when they’re drinking and someone else is NOT. It has something to do with knowing they’re about to make a fool of themselves and someone sober is going remember it all in vivid detail. So if you feel pressure to drink, just remember, they’re not as focused on you as you may think they are.

If people DO try to get you to drink, it helps to arm yourself with some solid responses. Here are some ideas: When they say: "Why aren’t you drinking?" You can say: "Because I’m driving home." OR "Because I’m the one who’s getting the rest of these clowns home safely." When they say: "Oh, you can have just one." You can say: "No, if I have one I’ll want more and I don’t want to go there." OR "No, I don’t want to have just one. It’s not worth the money." When they say: "Can I buy you a drink?" You can say: "Thanks, I’m not drinking tonight. But I’ll take you up on that next time!" (Even if you don’t ever plan on taking them up on the offer, it makes the person feel more like you’re WITH them and not judging them for drinking).

Don’t want people to hassle you? Order a non-alcoholic beer and pour it into a glass. No one needs to know you’re not actually drinking. Or, order a club soda with lime. It looks like a mixed drink, so people won’t notice you not drinking and they’ll be less likely to bust on you for it. BONUS TIP: Some bartenders will let you drink soda for free if you let them know you’re the designated driver. Be sure to ask if there’s a designated driver discount.

Have FUN. It is entirely possible to enjoy yourself when you’re not drinking, even though lots of people might try to convince you otherwise. For one thing, you’ll remember everything, which is kind of refreshing, isn’t it?

Don’t feel obligated to stick around if it really gets unbearable. You CAN leave– that’s one of the beauties of being a commuter! Sure, some of your friends might get mad at you, but their anger is largely a result of their intoxication. Tomorrow, when they wake up with the drunken guilts, they’ll more than understand why you didn’t feel like hanging around.

If you’re the designated driver and others are counting on you to get them home, COMPROMISE. When you start feeling like you want to get out of there, let your friends know you’re leaving in a half-hour. Give them a chance to get their last kicks before you round up any riders and head out. (Some of them may want to stay. That’s their choice. Of course, if you feel like someone’s too drunk and shouldn’t be left behind, get your other friends to help you convince the person it’s time to go). If anyone protests and tries to get you to stay longer, don’t let them sway you. You’re the sober one, so you get to decide.