It is important to determine the client's readiness for change at the onset of treatment. What is the best indicator of readiness?

• A. The client's age.
• B. The client and family's level of emotional and physical pain.
• C. The client's education level.
• D. The client's employment status.

Answer: (C)

Readiness for change is best indicated by the level of distress the client and their family are feeling—emotional and physical pain. When someone experiences significant suffering from the problem, they’re more motivated to seek help and engage in treatment, signaling they’re at a point where change is more possible. Age, education level, and employment status don’t reliably reflect motivation or willingness to change, since they don’t directly measure the person’s recognition of the problem or desire to take action. In practice, you’d assess readiness by exploring how the client and family perceive the impact of substance use, their goals, and any ambivalence, often using motivational interviewing techniques to gauge and enhance motivation.