If someone pressures you to drink, which response aligns with refusal skills?

• A. Saying nothing and walking away.
• B. Agreeing to drink to fit in.
• C. Suggesting others drink instead.
• D. No thanks, I don’t drink. I’m driving/I have a study night.

Answer: (D)

When someone pressures you to drink, the best approach is to state your boundary clearly and calmly, while giving a safe reason. Saying, “No thanks, I don’t drink. I’m driving/I have a study night,” does all of that. It makes your choice explicit, shows you’ve thought about a safe alternative, and links your decision to a concrete responsibility you’re upholding. This kind of refusal is confident, easy for others to respect, and helps reduce ongoing pressure by clearly signaling your limits.

Saying nothing and walking away can leave the pressure unresolved and might be read as not taking a stand. Agreeing to drink to fit in gives in to pressure and increases risk. Suggesting others drink instead still avoids your own boundary and can enable harmful behavior. The direct, respectful refusal with a clear reason is the most effective refusal skill.