Brief treatment for young substance abusers: a pilot study in an addiction treatment setting.
The present study evaluated a motivationally based, 4-session outpatient intervention for young substance abusers presenting for addiction treatment. Follow-up interviews were conducted 6 months after assessment on (a) clients who sought additional help (n = 22) and (b) clients who did not seek additional help (n = 28). Results indicated that (a) participating in an assessment and brief intervention was associated with reduced use and consequences and increased confidence in high-risk situations up to 6 months after entry into the program, and (b) clients who participated in additional treatment showed less of a decrease in substance-related consequences. These findings suggest that brief interventions can serve as either a stand-alone intervention for individuals who need short-term assistance or a first-step intervention for those with more specialized or long-term needs.
Breslin
Curtis
C
Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto, Ontario, Canada. cbreslin@iwh.on.ca
Li
Selina
S
Sdao-Jarvie
Kathy
K
Tupker
Elsbeth
E
Ittig-Deland
Virginia
V
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009864:Ontario; D010865:Pilot Projects; D011614:Psychotherapy, Brief / Q000379:methods*; D012044:Regression Analysis; D019966:Substance-Related Disorders / Q000534:rehabilitation*