HAMS does not have steps--HAMS has elements. What is the difference? First: the HAMS elements can be done in any order. Second: all of the HAMS elements are optional--you get to pick and choose the ones which work for you--nothing is required. You can start at element one if you want or you can start elsewhere. See Getting Started with HAMS for more information about this.

HAMS is not like 12 step programs where every time that you finish step twelve you are expected to go back and start over from step one for the rest of your life. You can leave HAMS when you are done or you can choose to stick around to help others--a free choice. Here are the elements:

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1. Do a Cost Benefit Analysis (CBA) of your drinking
My Drinking CBA
Sample Drinking CBA
My Generalized CBA
Sample Generalized CBA

2. Choose a drinking goal--safer drinking, reduced drinking, or quitting
My Drinking Goal Worksheet
Sample Drinking Goal Worksheet

3. Learn about risk ranking and rank your risks
My Risk Ranking Worksheet
Sample Risk Ranking Worksheet

4. Learn about the HAMS tools and strategies for changing your drinking
The HAMS Toolbox

5. Make a plan to achieve your drinking goal
My Drinking Plan Worksheet
Sample Drinking Plan Worksheet

6. Use alcohol-free time to reset your drinking habits
My Alcohol Free Day

7. Learn to cope without booze
RET Worksheet

8. Address outside issues that affect drinking

9. Learn to have fun without booze
Alcohol-Free Fun Worksheet

10. Learn to believe in yourself
A Self-Confidence Enhancement Exercise

11. Use a chart to plan and track your drinks and drinking behaviors day by day
My Drinking Chart
Sample Drinking Chart
My Risk Tracking Chart
Sample Risk Tracking Chart

12. Evaluate your progress - honestly report struggles - revise plans or goals as needed

13. Practice damage control as needed Damage Control: Dealing With Slips, Recycling, And Ricochets

14. Get back on the horse

15. Graduating from HAMS, sticking around, or coming back

16. Praise yourself for every success!!

17. Move at your own pace--you don't have to do it all at once

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