Much research on behavioral change supports the idea that assessment of the patient’s motivation
to change is an essential bridge from screening to brief intervention. A simple approach is
to ask, “On a scale of 0 to 10, how ready are you to make a change right now in your drinking?”
with 10 indicating ready to change right now, and 0 not ready to consider a change.During
a brief intervention, this scale can be used to elicit self-motivating statements. If the patient
rates his readiness as , the clinician can inquire, “Why did you not say ?” which will
prompt the patient to voice reasons for considering a change. Discussion of how drinking and
its consequences may conflict with the patient’s beliefs, values, and goals may also build motivation