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Get an alcohol-free drink in hand early, and plan an exit

Shared by Pocketful editors

Published 2 October 2026

At parties, keep an alcohol-free drink in your hand, which also cuts down on offers. Decide in advance how you'll leave quickly and gracefully if temptation gets too strong.

Source

Title
Building Your Drink Refusal Skills (opens in a new tab)
Published in
NIAAA Rethinking Drinking (NIH)

If you're struggling right now, you don't have to handle it alone. In Canada or the US, call or text 988 any time. If you're in immediate danger, call 911. In Canada, 211 can connect you with local mental health and addiction services.

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