It’s difficult, painful, and often frightening to watch your teen struggle with substance use or mental health issues. While you may feel eager to start your teen’s recovery as soon as possible, your teen’s readiness and willingness to seek help is a critical part of a successful recovery journey. This quiz can help you understand where your teen stands and guide your next steps.
Understanding Teen Readiness for Recovery
Readiness isn’t just about willingness—it’s about having the emotional and mental capacity to engage meaningfully in treatment. Understand that readiness may be a predictor of treatment success but it isn’t a signal that your family should wait for readiness to set in to seek treatment.
However, Muir Woods counsels families not to surprise their teen with a stay at a treatment center. We do not admit teens who are unwilling to enter treatment. However, we are adept at putting teens at ease when they arrive.
As you answer these questions, remember there are no right or wrong answers—only honest observations.
Quiz: Assessing Your Teen’s Recovery Readiness
For each question, choose the response that best matches your observations of your teen’s current state of mind and behavior.
1. Has your teen acknowledged that they face challenges with substance use or mental health?
Consider how your teen talks about their experiences. Do they:
- Find it hard to recognize any issues or discuss concerns
- Show some awareness but seem unsure of how to measure challenges
- Openly acknowledge their struggles and express a desire for change
2. How does your teen handle conversations about their substance use or mental health?
Consider your impression of their comfort level in these conversations. Do they:
- Have a hard time opening up or seem to shut down completely
- Engage briefly or occasionally, but change the subject quickly
- Seem to feel safe maintaining open dialogue and sharing their feelings honestly
3. How does your teen feel about receiving professional support?
Think about your teen’s reaction when treatment is discussed. Do they:
- Avoid any suggestion of getting help
- Express uncertainty but remain open to learning more
- Show interest in exploring treatment options
4. Is your teen willing to participate in outpatient therapy or counseling sessions?
Reflect on their attitude toward non-intensive professional support. Do they:
- Refuse to consider therapy or seem to stall exploring the option
- Attend sessions reluctantly or with minimal engagement
- Participate actively and show genuine interest in the process
5. Has your teen shown a willingness to change their behavior or lifestyle?
Look for signs of readiness to make positive changes. Do they:
- Maintain current behaviors regardless of consequences
- Make occasional attempts at change but struggle with consistency
- Actively work to develop healthier habits and routines
6. Does your teen express hope or optimism about the possibility of recovery?
Consider their outlook on the future. Do they:
- Express hopelessness or have trouble seeing a path forward
- Show mixed feelings about their ability to improve
- Demonstrate belief in their capacity for positive change
7. How does your teen respond to setbacks or challenges?
Observe their resilience when facing difficulties. Do they:
- Become overwhelmed and struggle to employ healthy coping strategies
- Show frustration but continue with encouragement
- Find ways to persist and maintain determination despite obstacles
8. Does your teen have a support system that encourages their recovery?
Evaluate their social connections. Do they:
- Have trouble or avoid connecting with supportive relationships
- Have support available but rarely utilize it
- Actively engage with positive influences in their life
9. Is your teen aware of the long-term commitment recovery will require?
Assess their understanding of the recovery process. Do they:
- Show limited awareness of what recovery entails
- Demonstrate basic understanding but uncertain about details
- Express realistic expectations about the journey ahead
10. How does your teen view others who are in recovery or treatment?
Observe their overall impression of others in treatment. Do they:
- Dismiss or avoid positively discussing others’ recovery efforts
- Show neutral or mixed interest in others’ experiences
- Express admiration or curiosity about others’ success stories
Understanding Your Results
Add up the points for each answer to help determine your teen’s readiness level (10–30 points total):
- 1 point for each A response
- 2 points for each B response
- 3 points for each C response
Early Contemplation Stage: 10–15 Points
Your teen may need more time to process their situation and build confidence about their recovery journey. This is normal, and many teens start here. At this stage, your teen is still forming their perspective on their challenges. They may need a little more convincing that treatment is the best next step.
Next Steps
Every step matters, even the small ones. Here, your teen is in the early stages of considering change. While they build confidence, focus on trust and safety. Keep lines of communication open. Express care and concern. Your consistent, caring presence makes a real difference in getting them ready for recovery.
Parent resources can help provide further guidance:
- How to Approach Treatment with a Struggling Teen
- Questions to Ask Your Teen About Alcohol and Drug Use
- 19 Risky Teen Behaviors with Warning Signs and Questions to Ask Your Teen
As one parent shares, though it’s initially difficult for some teens to consider treatment, this is not a permanent barrier to recovery.
Learn how we support the parents of our teen clients.
Building Readiness: 16–20 Points
Your teen shows promising signs of readiness while experiencing some uncertainty. This is a critical time when many teens begin to recognize their challenges more clearly. Your teen may show openness to the idea of treatment.
Next Steps
Work together to explore treatment options. At this stage, you can connect with professional support to help your teen prepare for treatment. Make sure your teen has a safe space to address specific concerns and questions they may have. Family therapy can be a valuable asset.
These resources can guide your family at this stage:
- How to Choose a Residential Treatment Center for Teens: Parents Guide to Selecting a Program
- What Your Child Can Expect at Drug Rehab
- What to Expect During the Teen Rehab Admissions Process
- Integrated Dual-Diagnosis Treatment Services
Healing is rarely a linear path. Muir Wood alumnus Laci shares how her own understanding and acceptance of needing help came gradually—even occurring during her treatment.
Ready for Recovery: 21–30 Points
Your teen is showing strong indicators of readiness for recovery. They may demonstrate self-awareness about their challenges, openness to receiving help, and a willingness to engage with support systems. This combination of self-awareness and receptivity often leads to meaningful, lasting transformation.
Next Steps
Your teen’s openness plays a major role in their chances of success. Complete an assessment form and schedule a consultation to explore treatment options that align with your teen’s needs and personal recovery goals.
Wesley, a Muir Wood alum, shares how his moment of realization led him to find his purpose and path forward.
When to Seek Treatment For Your Teen
It’s natural to feel uncertain about when to seek treatment. Many parents worry about waiting too long or pushing too soon. At Muir Wood, our team can help you understand your options and create a plan considering your teen’s current readiness level and needs. Let’s discuss how we can support your family’s journey toward healing. Schedule a consultation today.
Note: This quiz is not a diagnostic tool but a conversation starter. Please consult a mental health professional to help decide the best next step for your child.