Sample Analyze Behavior Handout

Describe a “unwanted” behavior.

Pick something your loved one’s does on a fairly regular basis or has a discernable pattern. Be as complete and specific as possible regarding what you know about this kind of episode. Remember to provide information on What, How often and How long.

Response: Drinking a shot of tequila or whiskey. 6-7 12 oz beers. Cocaine use? Alcohol consumed over 5 hours, cocaine over 2 hours. 3-4 times a month.

External Triggers

Describe the environmental triggers that lead up to the behavior.

Who is your loved one usually with when their behavior starts?

Response: Friends (not coworkers) Phil, Doc, Steve.

Where does the behavior usually start?

Response: Starts drinking a Red’s Filling Station bar then moves to Doc’s place.

When does the behavior usually begin?

Response: Friday nights. Drinking starts at 6:00 pm. Cocaine after 11:00 pm.

Internal Triggers

Guess what you believe could be the internal triggers that lead up to the behavior.

What do you think your loved one is typically feeling right before the behavior?

Response: Pressured. Embarrassed. Happy in anticipation of using. Happy he’s part of that special group. In control, powerful.

What do you think your loved one is thinking about right before the behavior?

Response: I earned this celebration. If I go it will shut Phil up. Natasha will be mad, but I’ll make it up to her tomorrow. I’ll save face if I go.

Warning Signs

Assuming that in some way you have witnessed your loved one’s unwanted behavior think about the physical, emotional, behavioral indicators that signaled its start.

What are some physical signs that tipped you off that your loved one’s behavior started?

Response: Doesn’t come home after work on Fridays. Goes straight to Red’s Filling Station bar. Stops answering my calls or texts.

What changes in your loved one’s emotions did you witness?

Response: Doesn’t want to connect with me.

Positive Consequences

What does your loved one like about the behavior? Remember to provide information on Who, Where and When.

Response: They’re “crazy” different from coworkers. Feels safe there. Nobody will bother them. Likes to celebrate the weekend. Pleasant routine (feels cheated if he doesn’t go). Makes him feel special.

What pleasant feelings do you think your loved one has while doing this behavior?

Response: Feeling like he “belongs”. Getting high. Feels special, the guys really like him. Excitement. Not stressed.

What pleasant thoughts do you think your loved one has while doing this behavior?

Response: This is fun. It’s great to be part of this group.

Negative Consequences

What do you think or feel are the negative results of your loved one’s behavior? Try to include the interpersonal, physical, emotional, legal, job, financial areas of their life and yours. Note with a * any negative results your loved one would agree with.

Response: Strained marriage* (from my worrying and his moods). I’m unhappy. He’s tired, hungry.* He’s irritable. Criticizes himself for not getting stuff done. He’s down (depressed). He’s afraid he’ll get caught and end up in jail.* He’s afraid people will find out and he’ll lose his job.* Money spent on coke. Sperm damage.*