Functional Analysis of Substance Use

When to use ‘Functional Analysis of Substance Use’

‘Functional Analysis of Substance Use’ is an interactive cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) worksheet, most often used in CBT for substance misuse.

It is designed to be used within therapy rather than as a standalone self-help tool: a therapist introduces it, works through it collaboratively, and helps make sense of what it surfaces. You can preview the full worksheet above, then assign it digitally for clients to complete between sessions on any device — or download it as a print-ready PDF.

How it works

Most people work through it in around 15 minutes. It moves through five short steps:

1. Trigger & Situation — What was happening when the urge or use occurred?
2. Thoughts & Feelings — What were you thinking and feeling at the time?
3. Substance Use
4. Consequences — What happened as a result of using?
5. Reflection

Completed on the Formulate platform, your client's answers are saved automatically and shared straight back to you, so you can review them before the next session rather than waiting for a paper copy to come back.

The CBT approach behind it

In common with other CBT methods, ‘Functional Analysis of Substance Use’ works by noticing the links between situations, thoughts, feelings, physical sensations and behaviour — and finding practical ways to change unhelpful patterns. The aim is not positive thinking but a clearer, shared understanding of what keeps a difficulty going — and practical, testable ways to change it.

Because it is a CBT tool it stays focused on the here-and-now links between thoughts, feelings, the body and behaviour, and it works best as one part of a wider course of therapy rather than as advice or a diagnosis.

Evidence & sources

This worksheet is grounded in established cognitive behavioural therapy theory and practice. Key sources include:

• Marlatt, G.A. & Donovan, D.M. (2005). Relapse Prevention (2nd ed.). New York: Guilford Press.
• Miller, W.R. & Rollnick, S. (2013). Motivational Interviewing (3rd ed.). New York: Guilford Press.