STORY #9: “I often feel pressure from others to use tobacco while I’m working to stay quit. Saying no in social situations like when I’m trying to meet new people, or my buddies use tobacco is hard. It can sometimes feel like getting pulled in two different directions.”

Though it may seem like tobacco use is a big part of military culture, there are ways to stay true to yourself, de-stress, be social and achieve your goal of becoming tobacco free without it. One way to do that is by learning how to say no to tobacco. Try using one of the below lines the next time you’re in a situation where you want to stay quit. If the examples don’t apply to you, be sure to switch them up to reflect your life:

Plan:

• Firmly say “no.” You could also say “No thanks,” or “I’m good.”
• Prioritize health or personal reasons. Share something like “This gives me headaches,” “My gym gains are too important to me,” “I want to keep my teeth white” or “I don’t want to smell bad.”
• Use humor. You could say “I’m allergic,” “My mom would kill me,” or “I taste better unsmoked.”
• Give a concrete reason. “Smokeless tobacco is bad for you,” or “I promised my kid or dog I’d never smoke.”
• Tell a relatable personal story. “I’ve tried vaping before and got really sick. It was disgusting.” You could also say “My grandma smoked, and it really hurt her health.”
• If all else fails, try changing the subject. Shake your head no and say, “Did you see that game last night?” or “Wow, did you hear the news?” 

People don’t always take no for an answer the first time. You might still hear, “Come on! Just one?” Whatever happens, stay strong in your decision to be tobacco free. You will thank yourself later for prioritizing your health.