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    What Would You Do?: A Practice Sheet for Handling Alcohol & Other Drug Offers

    How to use this:

    Read each situation together. Ask your child:

    • “What would you do?”
    • “What would you say?”
    • “What might make this hard?”

    There are no perfect answers—this is about thinking it through ahead of time. We have provided sample answers at the end of the scenarios in case you feel stuck.

    Scenario 1: The Close Friend

    You’re at a friend’s house. A close friend offers you a drink and says, “Come on, it’s just us. It’s no big deal.”

    Scenario 2: Everyone Is Doing It

    You’re at a party. A group of kids are passing around a vape. Someone says, “Everyone’s doing it—you’re the only one not.”

    Scenario 3: The Pushy Person

    Someone keeps offering you a drink even after you’ve said no. “Why not? Don’t be boring.”

    Scenario 4: Someone You Like

    You’re with someone you want to impress. They offer you something to drink or use.

    Scenario 5: Caught Off Guard

    You didn’t expect alcohol or drugs to be there—but suddenly they are.

    Scenario 6: Ride Home Problem

    The person you planned to ride home with has been drinking or using.

    Scenario 7: You Already Said Yes

    You said yes in the moment, but now you feel uncomfortable.

    Parent-Child Wrap-Up

    After you go through a few scenarios, ask:

    • “Which situation felt the hardest?”
    • “What response felt most like you?”
    • “What would make this easier in real life?”
    Build Your Plan Together
    My parent’s promise to me:

    “I will help you stay safe, no matter what.”

    What Would You Do? (With Sample Answers)
    Scenario 1: The Close Friend

    You’re at a friend’s house. A close friend offers you a drink and says, “Come on, it’s just us. It’s no big deal.”

    What would you do?
    • Stay calm, don’t make it a big deal, and stick with your choice
    What could you say?
    • “I’m good.”
    • “I don’t feel like it.”
    • “I’m trying to stay out of trouble.”
    What might make this hard?
    • Not wanting to disappoint a friend
    • Feeling like you might be left out
    Scenario 2: Everyone Is Doing It

    You’re at a party. A group of kids are passing around a vape. Someone says, “Everyone’s doing it—you’re the only one not.”

    What would you do?
    • Remind yourself you don’t have to follow the crowd
    • Stay near someone else who isn’t using
    What could you say?
    • “I’m good, thanks.”
    • “Not my thing.”
    • “I’m fine without it.”
    How could you handle the pressure?
    • Repeat your answer and change the subject
    • Move to a different group
    Scenario 3: The Pushy Person

    Someone keeps offering you a drink even after you’ve said no. “Why not? Don’t be boring.”

    What would you do next?
    • Say no again more firmly
    • Start to step away
    What could you say again (or differently)?
    • “I said I’m good.”
    • “Drop it.”
    • “I’m not into it.”
    When would you walk away?
    • If they keep pushing
    • If you start to feel uncomfortable
    Scenario 4: Someone You Like

    You’re with someone you want to impress. They offer you something to drink or use.

    What would you do?
    • Pause and think about your values, not just the moment
    What feels hardest about this situation?
    • Wanting them to like you
    • Not wanting to seem awkward
    What matters more to you in this moment?
    • Staying true to yourself
    • Being safe
    What could you say?
    • “I’m good—I don’t need that.”
    • “I’d rather just hang out.”
    Scenario 5: Caught Off Guard

    You didn’t expect alcohol or drugs to be there—but suddenly they are.

    What would you do first?
    • Take a moment and look around
    • Decide if you want to stay or leave
    Who could you go to or stand near?
    • A friend you trust
    • Someone who isn’t using
    How could you leave if you wanted to?
    • Text a parent
    • Say you have to be somewhere early
    • Ask for a ride
    Scenario 6: Ride Home Problem

    The person you planned to ride home with has been drinking or using.

    What would you do?
    • Do NOT get in the car
    • Find another safe ride
    Who could you call or text?
    • A parent or caregiver
    • Another trusted adult
    What’s your backup plan?
    • Rideshare (if appropriate)
    • Another friend’s parent
    • A pre-arranged ride plan
    Scenario 7: You Already Said Yes

    You said yes in the moment, but now you feel uncomfortable.

    What would you do now?
    • You can still change your mind
    • Stop and step away
    How could you change course?
    • “Actually, I’m good.”
    • Put it down or hand it back
    Who could help you?
    • A trusted friend
    • A parent (call/text)
    Parent-Child Wrap-Up
    Ask:
    • “Which one felt hardest?”
    • “Which response sounded most like you?”
    • “What would make this easier in real life?”
    Build Your Plan Together
    If I feel uncomfortable, I will:
    • Leave, call/text for help, or find a safe person
    A text I could send my parent:
    • “Can you call me?”
    • “I need a ride.”
    • Or use a code word or text “X”
    My parent’s promise to me:
    • “I will help you stay safe—no lecture in the moment.”
    Reminder

    This isn’t about having the perfect answer.

    It’s about having a plan, options, and support.

    The Partnership

    Published

    July 2026