Thriving Under Pressure. (Unit 1: Drugs and You).(preventing narcotic abuse)

Peer pressure can be very powerful. At times, teens give in to peer pressure to do drugs because they want to belong, to fit in with a group. They think going along with the group will make them cool or more popular. But it never does. However, teens who learn to thrive under pressure and resist drugs thrive in life, too.

When you train in sports, you have to develop the individual skills of the game. When you train to be a drug-resister, one important skill you'll need is assertiveness.

Don't confuse being assertive with being aggressive. An aggressive person gets what he or she wants by fighting, threatening, and generally pushing people around. That doesn't work when you're trying to tell your best friend that you don't want the cigarette or beer he or she just offered you.

Assertive behavior allows you to get what you need without violating the rights of other people. Assertive behavior is appropriate in almost every situation, and it doesn't always mean saying no.

Here's the play-by-play on being assertive:

* Be aware of your position. You've made a decision not to use drugs, alcohol, or tobacco, but what about other tough questions? For example: Will you accept a ride from someone who has been drinking? Are you willing to lie to cover for a friend who has been using drugs? Don't wait until it's time to take a stand to figure out what you would say or do.

* Be aware of what you want as well as what you don't want. For example, you could say, "I want to come to your party; but I don't want to be around people who are using drugs. Will there be drugs at your party?"