Introduction
For this course, the chosen topic entails reducing risky alcohol taking behavior. The first time I resorted to drinking, I thought that it was the mark of self-autonomy, a mark that clearly shows the desired “freedom” that comes with maturity. I had a desire to prove that I had attained the natural maturity age as opposed to the prescribed age of the majority as it is put by the constitution. Therefore, the reason I resulted in drinking was more of a deviance-related reason and a general expression of disobedience associated with late teenage hood.
Reducing Risky Alcohol Taking
The choice for this topic has been motivated by the rising number of youths who engage in alcoholic activities before they attain the age of majority. Having started taking alcohol at mid-teenage-hood years, and with my current understanding of the possible dangers that youths may be engaging themselves in, I chose to deal with this topic as it may offer insights that may change the behavioral balance of the teenagers. Besides this, the issue of underage drinking is yet to be resolved in America with the number of teenagers, some as young as twelve and thirteen years, who report having used alcohol rising steadily.
After successfully undergoing the pre-contemplation and contemplation as outlined by the Transtheoretical Model, currently, I am at a preparation stage where I am preparing to take any action towards an effective decision that will see me drop the unwanted behavior of excessive drinking. Therefore, I am in this stage because I have contemplated quitting, and thus, I am preparing to adopt a newer life.
As evidenced by the decision matrix, it is clear that my willingness to change is more outstanding compared to the drawbacks that may make someone cling to this behavior. The costs of continuing with the behavior are far too many compared to the benefits that I stand to gain if I change my behavioral approaches. Therefore, my current motivation to change is at its peak as the level of realization of the detriments of my behavior is at its peak.
Conclusion
When my willingness to change is examined, the decision matrix cannot be said to be the sole source of motivation to change. However, the inputs of this matrix cannot be ignored. The decision matrix has made an immense contribution to catalyzing the motivation to change. This is because the matrix has a way of juxtaposing the pros and the cons of the behavior which has a huge cognitive effect as one gets to learn various issues concerning the behavior. Therefore, the matrix has greatly assisted in influencing the level of motivation towards the desired behavior change.