One-year outcomes and mediators of a brief intervention for drug abusing adolescents.

Abstract

Two manually-guided brief interventions were evaluated with a randomized controlled trial. Adolescents (aged 13-17 years) suspected of abusing alcohol and other drugs and their parent were randomly assigned to receive either a 2-session adolescent only (BI-A), 2-session adolescent and additional parent session (BI-AP), or assessment only control condition (CON). Adolescents were identified in a school setting and the intervention was delivered by trained counselors. Outcome analyses (N=284; 90% of those enrolled) of relative change (from intake to 12-months) and absolute status (at 12-months) revealed a general pattern of reductions in drug use behaviors, particularly with the cannabis outcome measures, in both active conditions (BI-A and BI-AP). Students in the control condition showed worse outcome compared to the BI-A and BI-AP groups. Among the four mediating variables measured at 6-months, use of additional services, motivation to change and parenting practices had significant influences on 12-month outcome; problem solving skills approached significance as a mediator. The potential value of a brief intervention for drug abusing adolescents is discussed.

Current advances in the treatment of adolescent drug use

“…The clinical science of brief intervention programs aimed at intervening with early-stage drug users (eg, those meeting abuse criteria) are an effective way to stem the escalation of use in a young person 10,11. In other words, the progression of drug use does not have to – and should not – reach dependence levels before steps are taken to initiate change.…”

“…In fact, there is increasing recognition regarding the need to screen youth for varying levels of substance use in all locations where they can be found (eg, pediatricians offices, schools, juvenile justice system) so that nonuse can be reinforced, use targeted, and youth triaged to different types of services based upon use severity 12. This approach (screening coupled with brief intervention and treatment referrals when indicated) has a growing body of evidence supporting its efficacy in reducing drug use among teenagers 11,13–15…”

Differential Effects of Mental Health Problems Among Truant Youths

“…The goal of the BI therapy was to diminish factors contributing to drug use (e.g., maladaptive beliefs) and promote factors that protect against relapse via problem-solving skills and support from the environment. 68-69 Youths randomly assigned to the BI-Y condition were administered two BI sessions, but no session was held with their parents. Youths randomly assigned to the BI-YP condition were administered two BI sessions, and their parents were administered a separate parent BI session.…”

Trajectories of Adolescent Alcohol Use in the Year Following a Brief Alcohol Intervention

“…A recent review of 18 studies concluded that brief interventions for college students were effective in reducing alcohol consumption and alcohol problems (Fachini et al, 2012). Several trials dedicated to adolescent populations demonstrate that when compared with control conditions, including psychoeducation and assessment-only conditions, brief interventions lead to improved outcomes across various alcohol-related variables (e.g., Bernstein et al, 2010;Conrod et al, 2011;Goti et al, 2010;Marlatt et al, 1998;Masterman & Kelly, 2003;Monti et al, 1999;Ögel & Coskun, 2011;Spirito et al, 2004;Walton et al, 2010;Winters et al, 2012Winters et al, , 2014.…”