Dear Nina,

You’re smart to be thinking ahead, in terms of developing a strategy that’s ready when you need it. If you’re in a situation where drugs are present and you want to leave without being ridiculed, there are several options to consider. One challenge may be transportation. Perhaps you would be embarrassed to tell your ride that you want to leave, especially if they don’t. It’s a great idea to develop a plan with your parents that if you’re in an awkward situation like this that you can call them at any time and they will pick you up no questions asked. You would be surprised how many parents would happily agree to this. Another challenge is what to say as your excuse for leaving. While only the bravest of teens can be expected to do so, some actually are honest and say that’s not their thing and wish everyone well and leave.

For the vast majority that aren’t quite that brave, sometimes a white lie may be in order. For example, some say that they are on “UAs,” which stands for Urine Analysis. When teens are arrested on substance abuse charges, the court often orders UAs to make sure they’re clean and not using drugs. Sometimes suspicious parents make their teens take UAs as well. If that were the case, no one would fault you for abstaining. But the best strategy is realizing that no matter how embarrassing it may be in the moment to “just say no,” the potential life-altering impacts of not asserting yourself are just not worth it.