Alcohol and Other Drugs

Scenario: Choose Your Limits (Part I)

Ineffective Example

CHARLIE: Alright, Kevin, Emma. we've had a long week of midterms, and I think it's about time we took a minute to chill.

KEVIN: I hear that.

CHARLIE: So before we go out tonight, I'm thinking we should loosen up, and do a couple shots.

EMMA: Alright, let's do it.

KEVIN: I'm good, actually. Not really looking to drink tonight. Got midterms coming up.

CHARLIE: Aww really? (sarcastic) But drinking makes you smarter, right?

KEVIN: (joking) Suuuure. (serious) But yeah, y'all enjoy.

CHARLIE: Fiiine. Looks like it's you and me, Emmers.

EMMA: Guess so!

CHARLIE: Wooo, there we go. One more?

COACH: You decided to take a shot with Charlie. It's important to stay aware of how much you drink when you pre game, because it can affect your judgment for the rest of the night. Also, remember shots are easy to over pour, and it can be difficult to keep track of how many shots you've had.

EMMA: I'm down. Bring it.

CHARLIE: Kevin?

KEVIN: Nah, I'm all set.

CHARLIE: You suuuure? Yeah. I'm good man.

CHARLIE: Alright then. More for us, right?

EMMA: Yuppppp.

EMMA: (Emma and Charlie take the shots)

COACH: You decided to take a second shot. It's important to stay aware of how much you drink when you pre game, because it can affect your judgment for the rest of the night. Also, remember shots are easy to over pour, and it can be difficult to keep track of how many shots you've had.

CHARLIE: Alright, let's leave.

KEVIN: Wait, are we driving there?

EMMA: Nah, we'll catch a WeRyde.

KEVIN: Okay, cool. And at the end of the night, we're all gonna check in before we head out, right?

CHARLIE: You know it, Kevin Eleven.

KEVIN: Nuh uh. Chaaarlie. What?

Effective Example 

CHARLIE: Alright, Kevin, Emma. we've had a long week of midterms, and I think it's about time we took a minute to chill.

KEVIN I hear that.

CHARLIE: So before we go out tonight, I'm thinking we should loosen up, and do a couple shots.

EMMA: YUP. I could NOT be happier this week is over, but, think I'm just gonna stick to soda or water, or, (disappointed) Whaaat??

EMMA: I just, for now at least.

KEVIN: I mean I'm not planning to drink at all tonight.

CHARLIE: (disappointed sigh) Really? I was hoping y'all would, I don't know, drink with me.

COACH: You asked to drink a non alcoholic beverage instead of a shot. It's important to decide for yourself how much you want to drink, even if in the moment, it might not feel like you are fully participating.

EMMA: All I'm saying is, I want to have a good time tonight with both of you, and I think I'll enjoy the night more if I have a little less to drink.

CHARLIE: Isn't it more fun when you have more to drink?

EMMA: Not for me, personally.

KEVIN Especially around midterms.

CHARLIE: (playful) Ugggh! I got an idea for what both of you can do with yourselves tonight.

EMMA: Have fun and get home safe?

CHARLIE: Not where I was going with that, but, pfft. Sure.

COACH: You explained your limit for how much you wanted to drink in a way that was not judgmental of anyone else's choices. This helps create space for Kevin to come alongside you and share his limit for the night as well.

CHARLIE: (Charlie takes his shot)

CHARLIE: Alright, let's leave.

KEVIN: Wait, are we driving there?

EMMA: Nah, we'll catch a WeRyde.

KEVIN: Okay, cool. And at the end of the night, we're all gonna check in before we head out, right?

CHARLIE: You know it, Kevin Eleven.

KEVIN: Nuh uh. Chaaarlie. What?