A nurse is working with a client and their partner. Which of the following information describes the reason it is important to recognize early warning signs related to substance use?

A. Early warning signs of substance use are not related to end-of-life planning. While legal and financial planning is important for many clients, this is unrelated to recognizing substance use behaviors. B. Recognizing early warning signs of substance use—such as changes in behavior, mood, physical health, or social functioning—enables timely intervention, which can prevent progression of the disorder, reduce complications, and improve long-term outcomes. Early identification allows healthcare providers to implement supportive care, counseling, or referral to treatment programs before severe dependence or life-threatening consequences develop. C. While family involvement can be helpful, staging interventions without professional guidance is not the primary reason for recognizing early warning signs. Unstructured interventions can sometimes escalate conflict or resistance rather than promote treatment engagement. D. Substance use disorders are primarily addressed through healthcare and treatment approaches, not law enforcement. Early recognition is about prevention and treatment, not criminalization or forced legal action.