Being Your Own Best Friend When Dealing with Alcohol & Drugs
Maybe you’ve been offered alcohol at a party or felt curious about drugs because others around you are doing it. When you're a teen, it can feel like there’s pressure coming from everywhere—to fit in, to be cool, to try things that feel risky. So you might even feel torn—part of you wants to say no, but part of you doesn’t want to feel left out.
If this sounds familiar, first take a deep breath. It’s okay to feel unsure. And it’s more than okay to say no.
One powerful way to handle this kind of pressure? Self-compassion.
What Is Self-Compassion?
Self-compassion means treating yourself with the same kindness, understanding, and support that you’d offer a close friend. When it comes to resisting alcohol and drugs, it helps you stay true to yourself without judging your thoughts or feelings.
How Self-Compassion Helps You Stay Strong
1. You stop shaming yourself for feeling pressure
It’s totally human to want to belong. Instead of thinking, “What’s wrong with me? Why am I even tempted?” try saying, “It’s hard to be in this situation. I’m doing my best.” Recognizing your feelings without guilt helps you make choices from a place of strength, not fear.
2. You listen to your true values
Ask yourself: What really matters to me? Maybe it’s staying healthy, staying in control, or just staying true to who you are. Self-compassion gives you the courage to honor those values, even when it’s hard.
3. You let go of perfection
You don’t need to be the “perfect teen” who always has the right answer. What matters is trying, learning, and being kind to yourself if you stumble. If you’ve made choices you regret, you can still show up for yourself now with honesty and care.
4. You remind yourself: you’re not alone
There are so many other teens out there who feel the same way—and who are also choosing to say no. You’re part of a community of people learning to make healthy choices, even when it’s hard.
What You Can Say:
“No thanks, I’m good.”
“That’s not really my thing.”
“I’ve got something early tomorrow.”
Or just walk away. That’s brave, too.
Resisting pressure doesn’t make you weak—it makes you incredibly strong. And when you support yourself with kindness and compassion, it becomes so much easier to stay grounded in who you are.
Speaking of staying grounded, here’s a practice for you that literally helps you stay grounded! It’s called Soles of the Feet, and you can find it here. And it’s only 2 minutes long!