Motivation is an attitudinal change characterized by (1) acknowledging substance use as a problem; (2) showing a desire for help; and (3) expressing readiness for treatment as a means of recovery. The assumption is that internal or self-driven desire for change, rather than externally determined motivation, is critical for the initial decision to engage in treatment, and that such desire is associated with successful treatment outcomes. The research was conducted at two soup kitchens in Brooklyn, New York from September 1997 to September 1999. The sample consisted of 190 participants who reported drug/alcohol use and were not currently in a treatment program. The hypotheses were: individuals with intensive pattern of drug use, depressive symptoms, and acute physical health problems were likely to have greater motivation for change; individuals who recognized the seriousness of their drug use problems had a greater desire to enter treatment; and individuals with the desire to enter treatment were more ready for treatment than those without desire. Results indicated that depression, history of addiction treatment, and having a trade/job skills were the major predictors of problem recognition. Intensive pattern of drug use, frequency of drug/alcohol use, and problem recognition were the determinants of desire for help. Physical health problems, caring for children, frequency of drug/alcohol use, and desire for help were the key predictors of treatment readiness. Individuals with an intensive pattern of drug use were more likely to have higher motivation for change than those without an intensive pattern of use. While depression had a strong direct effect on the first phase of motivation for change (problem recognition), it had no direct effect on desire for help or treatment readiness. The findings support the hypotheses that individuals with physical health problems were more ready for treatment; problem recognition had a strong significant direct effect on desire for help; and desire for help had a very strong effect on treatment readiness. 2 figures, 2 tables, 36 references