Speak up
GETTING READY
FOR A CONVERSATION
You may encounter situations where talk about drugs come up and maybe they already have.
What you say, or don't say, in those moments matters more than you think.
- Sometimes speaking up could be the most important thing you can do for someone.
- This guide helps you get prepared if you ever find yourself in one of these conversations.
What does casual drug talk look like?
- Conversations about drugs aren't always obvious. Sometimes it's not a direct offer. Sometimes, it's a comment that makes drug use sound harmless, cool, or inevitable: Examples:
A friend comes back from a trip and casually mentions they tried something because it was legal there.
Someone in the group could be at risk and everyone is looking the other way thinking it isn't their place to say anything or hoping someone else would say something first.
The group starts hyping up something risky and going along with it feels easier than being the one to speak up.
- Learning to recognise these moments is just as important as knowing how to respond to them.
Here are tips to get started
Know your stance
Speaking up starts with knowing where you stand. You don't need to have all the answers, but going in prepared makes a real difference.
Signs of preparedness:
Do I know my own view on this topic?
Have I looked into the facts from reliable sources?
Am I ready to listen, even if I disagree?
Can I stay calm and non-judgmental?
Remember that sometimes, it's less about having the right answer, and more about not letting a moment fly by too fast.
Before a joke becomes the plan. Before everyone moves on like the risk was already settled.
Speaking up might not change everything. But it can make the decision feel less automatic.
GETTING READY
FOR A CONVERSATION
You may encounter situations where talk about drugs come up and maybe they already have.
What you say, or don't say, in those moments matters more than you think.
- Sometimes speaking up could be the most important thing you can do for someone.
- This guide preps you for the occasion when you find yourself in one of these conversations, or when the opportunity arises for you to speak up against permissive drug views.
- Learning to recognise these moments is just as important as knowing how to respond to them.
What does casual drug talk look like?
- Conversations about drugs aren't always obvious. Sometimes it's not a direct offer. Sometimes, it's a comment that makes drug use sound harmless, cool, or inevitable:
A friend comes back from a trip and casually mentions they tried something because it was legal there.
Someone in the group could be at risk and everyone is looking the other way thinking it isn't their place to say anything or hoping someone else would say something first.
The group starts hyping up something risky and going along with it feels easier than being the one to speak up.
Here are tips to get started
Know your stance
Speaking up starts with knowing where you stand. You don't need to have all the answers, but going in prepared makes a real difference.
Signs of preparedness:
Do I know my own view on this topic?
Have I looked into the facts from reliable sources?
Am I ready to listen, even if I disagree?
Can I stay calm and non-judgmental?
Remember that sometimes, it's less about having the right answer, and more about not letting a moment fly by too fast.
Before a joke becomes the plan. Before everyone moves on like the risk was already settled.
Speaking up might not change everything. But it can make the decision feel less automatic.