Pros and Cons of Alcohol Use vs. Recovery

Ambivalence is normal in behavior change. You may genuinely want recovery and still feel pulled toward alcohol in difficult moments. A structured pros-and-cons exercise helps you examine both sides honestly so choices are based on full information, not just immediate urge.

This tool is most effective when you compare short-term and long-term benefits and costs. Click here to open the worksheet as a PDF.

Decisional Balance Worksheet

Benefits / Pros Costs / Cons
Recovery
Alcohol Use

Tips

  • Work through this in real-life situations rather than only reading it.

  • Review your worksheet when bargaining thoughts appear (Just one drink won’t hurt. I can stop tomorrow.).

  • If something feels hard, simplify the step and repeat it consistently.