Making Healthy Decisions The DECIDE Process

efine the problem. Consider the decision you are facing, and state the issue clearly.

xplore the alternatives. Make a list of possible alternatives for solving your problem.

onsider the consequences. One by one, think through what might happen if you were to choose each alternative on your list. Include both positive and negative results. Consider what probably would happen, not what you hope would happen.

dentify your values. beliefs or your family and culture. • Consider your long-term goals as well as the beliefs or your family and culture. • Consider your own and others’ health and safety, and your self-respect. • Identify those choices that are a good match for your values.

ecide and act. • Use the information you have collected to compare the alternatives. Decide which one is best for you. • Make a plan to act on your decision.

valuate the results. Sometime after you have put your decision into effect, take some time to review it. • If you could do it over again, what would you do differently? If you can still change some things for the better, do it now. • How did your decision work out? • How has it affected your life? • How has it affected others?

The DECIDE Process Jim’s Decision Jim was having a difficult time at home. He was not getting along with his father who was recently divorced and he was sick and tired of being told what to do, what time to be home, having to help around the house, etc. He had a close friend that told him he could live at his house and that his father would not bother them. Jim was just beginning his senior year in high school and was ready to accept his friends offer but it just didn’t feel right. He thought instead of moving in with his friend, he might be able to go live with his mother, or maybe he could find a way to live on his own. In the end Jim decided to at least stay right where he was for the school year. If he went to live with his mother he would probably have much more freedom but he would have to change schools and besides he did not care for his mother’s boyfriend. If he got a place of his own he would certainly be his own boss but he would have to get an extra job just to afford a place and that meant quitting school. He could live with his friend and then he could still go to the same school but he was sure he would have to pay some money for staying there and he could barely afford his car as it was. By staying at home he could finish school, which for him really was the best thing to do at this time. Jim figured he could probably put up with the rules for a few more months and maybe with time he and his father would start getting along better.

The DECIDE Process Christina’s Decision Christina age 15, went to a party will her friend Ross. She did not know anyone there and her friend Ross that drove her end up getting drunk. How is Christina going to get home?