DON'T GO OUT ON A LIMB.
Stick to what you trust. Saying no to alcohol is not something to be scared of.
Peer pressure can be sneaky and even a little hard to recognize, especially when it comes to drinking alcohol underage. Maybe it's at a party, a sleepover, or just hanging out when someone hands you a drink and says, “Everyone else is having one.” You may know that there are risks and want to say no, but saying no out loud can feel harder than you expect. If you get an uneasy, out-on-a-limb feeling, that is your gut telling you something important.
The truth that doesn't get talked about enough: most kids your age don't drink. According to a 2025 national survey from Responsibility.org, underage drinking rates have continued to hit record lows, meaning the "everyone's doing it" line isn't true. If a friend keeps pressuring you, they're barking up the wrong tree.
Still, pressure shows up early. Research from the U.S. Department of Justice found that more than half of sixth graders had already been pressured by friends to try alcohol. That means knowing how to handle it now, before high school even starts, actually matters.
One way to help yourself stand tall in uncertain situations is to prepare.
Practice a variety of ways of saying “no” to unwanted pressures. You may find that the more you practice saying it out loud, the less scary it becomes. The more comfortable you are with your responses, the more likely you will have confidence in the moment. You can practice on your own or with friends.
Peer pressure can be sneaky and even a little hard to recognize, especially when it comes to drinking alcohol underage. Maybe it's at a party, a sleepover, or just hanging out when someone hands you a drink and says, “Everyone else is having one.” You may know that there are risks and want to say no, but saying no out loud can feel harder than you expect. If you get an uneasy, out-on-a-limb feeling, that is your gut telling you something important.
The truth that doesn't get talked about enough: most kids your age don't drink. According to a 2025 national survey from Responsibility.org, underage drinking rates have continued to hit record lows, meaning the "everyone's doing it" line isn't true. If a friend keeps pressuring you, they're barking up the wrong tree.
Still, pressure shows up early. Research from the U.S. Department of Justice found that more than half of sixth graders had already been pressured by friends to try alcohol. That means knowing how to handle it now, before high school even starts, actually matters.
One way to help yourself stand tall in uncertain situations is to prepare.
Practice a variety of ways of saying “no” to unwanted pressures. You may find that the more you practice saying it out loud, the less scary it becomes. The more comfortable you are with your responses, the more likely you will have confidence in the moment. You can practice on your own or with friends.
A Few No-Drama Ways to Not Be Swayed:
Have your response ready before you need it. A quick "no thanks, I'm good" said with confidence stops most pressure in its tracks.
You don't have to go out on a limb to fit in. Staying grounded in what you trust is likely the safer branch to climb.
Have your response ready before you need it. A quick "no thanks, I'm good" said with confidence stops most pressure in its tracks.
- Blame someone else. "My parents will notice” or "I've got practice tomorrow" gives you an easy out.
- Find your people. Surround yourself with friends who make the same choice, so nobody has to stand alone.
- Stick to your neck of the woods. Stay at places you know, with people you trust, and steer clear of unfamiliar houses or parties where you don't feel comfortable. If it feels off, it probably is.
- Don’t be afraid to leave. If you want to go home, then trust your instincts. Text your parents or someone else that you trust, for a ride.
You don't have to go out on a limb to fit in. Staying grounded in what you trust is likely the safer branch to climb.
PLAY SOME GAMES WITH US
Use Your Cube to find the hidden words.
Click on the first and last letter of the word to highlight the word.
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The Many Sides of Cube
Hello there. Use Your Cube is the name, and substance abuse prevention is our game... and we refuse to lose. We are an agency united against underage drinking, focused on sharing our message with students 10-17 years old in Southern Illnois.
We wear many hats, depending on the weather and what is on our to-do list that day. We create interactive, touch screen enabled content, collectible posters, eye-catching supplemental materials and entertaining contests.
Our message? Simple. Alcohol is risky. Our strategy? Not so simple.
Underage Drinking is Risky.
