Refusal Skills Practice
A skills worksheet with refusal tips and a rehearsal table of high-risk offers, likely pressure and planned responses, plus people to avoid.
1-page fillable PDF · US Letter (prints on A4) · Skills training
- Approach / concern
- Recovery & Addiction
- Technique
- Skills training
- Format
- Fillable PDF, 1 page (US Letter / A4)
- Access
- Pro and Advanced plans (3-day free trial)
- For
- Licensed clinicians to use with clients
- Updated
- October 2026
Key facts
What is the Refusal Skills Practice?
Refusal skills training helps people decline offers of alcohol or drugs assertively, reducing lapse risk in social high-risk situations.
Why it works
Coping skills for high-risk situations are central to relapse prevention (Marlatt & Donovan, 2005; Witkiewitz & Marlatt, 2004).
When to use it
- Early recovery
- Social events and holidays
- Workplace drinking culture
- Teens and young adults
How to use it in session
- Identify likely offers.
- Write responses.
- Role-play in session.
- Practise aloud.
- Review after events.
Clinician tips
- Role-play realistic pressure.
- Keep responses short.
- Plan exits.
Worked example
Sharing with clients
Members can download the PDF to print or email, or copy a private client link from the download box. Your client opens the link and downloads the worksheet on any device. No client account is needed, and nothing your client writes is stored on TherapyAid.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need to explain why I’m not drinking?
No. A simple ‘No, thanks’ is enough.
What if they keep pushing?
Repeat yourself, change the subject, or leave.
References
Marlatt, G. A., & Donovan, D. M. (Eds.). (2005). Relapse prevention: Maintenance strategies in the treatment of addictive behaviors (2nd ed.). Guilford Press.
Witkiewitz, K., & Marlatt, G. A. (2004). Relapse prevention for alcohol and drug problems: That was Zen, this is Tao. American Psychologist, 59(4), 224-235.
This worksheet is an educational tool for use by, or under the guidance of, a licensed or registered mental-health professional. It is not a diagnostic instrument or a substitute for clinical judgement. If a client is in crisis in Canada, call or text 9-8-8 or call 9-1-1.
